Adwin
Cricket Spectator
I'd say he has to work harder for his runs than the likes of Clarke, definitely. It's almost as though each scoring shot requires a full mental review of every lesson he's had since a schoolboy before he executes. Root looks the same so far.Has Cook's style developed like this due to a Boycott "occupy the crease at all costs" mentality of opening batsman or because he's technically inferior to players like Ian Bell and Michael Clarke and hence couldn't be a successful no.3, 4 or 5 batsman?
Perhaps that's why they like to open? Less pressure to attempt flamboyant strokes, scoring rate not a consideration? Or maybe they've learned to play within themselves because of their fondness for opening? Chicken/Egg, perhaps. What I would suggest is that Cook is pretty much a one-speed player. I can't say I've ever seen him try to smash the leather off a ball to get the rate up. Perhaps that's a symptom of every single delivery triggering a meticulous and methodical thought process, restricting the time he has to choose a shot and removing all chance of instinct guiding his selection.
Tl;dr - he probably isn't as naturally talented as players like Clarke, so has to work extra hard for his runs, something which may not be desirable in the middle order.
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