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Alastair Cook Says ECB Has Made 'Zero Contact' on Coaching Role, Expresses Future Interest

He addressed fresh speculation during the Sydney Test following Michael Atherton’s column proposing him as a complementary voice on the staff.

Overview

  • Cook said on TNT Sports that he has had no approach from the ECB about any position but would like to be involved with England at some point to try to make a difference.
  • The discussion was prompted by Michael Atherton’s piece in The Times suggesting Cook as a potential assistant who could add drive and discipline alongside Brendon McCullum.
  • Cook, 41, emphasized that people are already in post and reiterated there has been “zero contact,” urging patience about any future possibilities.
  • Rob Key, England’s managing director, continues to support McCullum as head coach, and there have been no formal moves or changes reported.
  • Context for the debate is England’s 3-1 deficit in the 2025–26 Ashes, which has intensified scrutiny of performance standards and team culture; Cook’s credentials include 12,472 Test runs and 33 hundreds in 161 matches.