Mixed emotions for Cook

alastaircook

Cook's form has come under increasing scrutiny in recent times, the left-hander going 27 innings without a Test century ahead of Sunday's play at the Ageas Bowl.

With England winless in 10 five-day matches, Cook's captaincy has also been questioned, but the opening day against India went almost perfectly to plan.

After winning the toss and electing to bat, Cook was dropped at slip on 15 by Ravindra Jadeja, and proceeded to reach 95 before Jadeja part-atoned for his error - dismissing the home skipper via a thin edge down the leg side taken by MS Dhoni.

During his innings, Cook went past Kevin Pietersen - who earlier in the week had called for the captain's resignation - and David Gower to move to third on England's list of all-time Test run scorers.

His dismissal ended a 158-run partnership with Gary Ballance, who went on to make an unbeaten 104 as England reached stumps on 247-2.

A relieved Cook was pleased to have made a strong contribution to the cause, but was left frustrated at not reaching the three figures.

"If you'd have offered me that at the beginning of the day, of course I'd have taken it," he told Sky Sports.

"I'm disappointed because it adds to the innings without a hundred, but I've batted okay and it's nice to finally contribute.

"I can't tell you how much I wanted to score a hundred.

"The support I have had throughout this period, which I'm not through yet but it's a little step in the right direction, has been great.

"When you haven't scored runs for a long time it's only natural to be nervous and only natural to want it even more."

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