LEEDS, England, (Reuters) – Captain Alistair Cook wants his England team to mark the appointment of new coach Trevor Bayliss by completing a series win against New Zealand with victory in the second test starting at Headingley today.
Cook, who scored a meticulous second innings century as England won the first test at Lord’s, welcomed the appointment of Australian Bayliss ahead of the Ashes test series against his compatriots.
“Andrew (Strauss, England’s director of cricket) obviously decided to get the best man for the job,” Cook told reporters on Thursday. “To coach England is a huge role and Trevor’s experienced in all forms of the game and, everywhere he’s gone, he’s been successful.”
Reflecting on England’s entertaining first test triumph, he said: “It was a ‘fantastic’ week at Lord’s. It was a great test match to watch and both sides played really well. We get great support here at Headingley and I’m glad there’s a rush for tickets.