Cook's calling

HAVING already enjoyed a very good season with the bat, Alastair Cook gave the England selectors a great big wave and a `cooee' at the beginning of September. After winning Young Player of the Year at the Cricket Writers' dinner in London, he battered 214 from 238 balls against the Australians at Chelmsford the next day. It was a weekend befitting a man who is used to getting all his presents at once. He was born on Christmas Day.

Cook, who was praised by the Australia coach John Buchanan, has been tipped as a future England opener since he started breaking batting records at Bedford School. His rapid rise seemed to plateau last season when he averaged only 29.89 in his first Championship season. This year, however, he has rediscovered what made Keith Fletcher call Cook "just about the best young batsman I have ever seen."

Another big fan of Cook is Graham Gooch, who has seen him mature this season. "He's been more positive and cut out the bad shots that were getting him out after reaching 20 last season," says Gooch. "He's one of the best players off the hips I've ever seen; he'll score boundaries on the leg side where most would settle for a single. He's showing the kind of form that can get you noticed by England."

Moment of the month Winning the totesport League at a canter.