«Breaking News» Alastair Cook and England play football ahead of India Test

Alastair Cook looked in jovial spirits as he prepared for what will be his 161st and final Test appearance for England.

The 33-year-old will bring an end to a record-breaking international career in the fifth Test against India and took part in training with his England team-mates at the Oval on Thursday morning.

Cook was pictured enjoying a game of football alongside his England team-mates with all-rounder Ben Stokes in goal and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow seemingly up front.

Alastair Cook (right) enjoys himself in England training alongside Keaton Jennings on Thursday

The former England captain played football with his team-mates ahead of his final Test

The 33-year-old brings an end to a record-breaking England career in fifth Test against India

England's cricket team have regularly played football as part of their cardio work in training and they appeared to enjoy the brief change of sport during a sunny September morning in south London.

Although he was all smiles during Thursday's training session, his final appearance in England whites is guaranteed to be an emotional affair. In fact, the former captain welled up during his press conference at the Oval on Wednesday. 

Facing the media for the first time since his announcement, Cook admitted he had lost the 'mental edge' that had enabled him to score over 12,000 Test runs and 32 centuries.

'It's hard to put into words but there have been signs in my mind over the last six months,' he said.

'I've always had that mental edge, I've always been mentally incredibly tough and had that edge to everything I've done but that had kind of gone. The things I'd found easy weren't quite there and to me that was the biggest thing.'

Cook heads the football as the England team take part in a short match during their training

Jos Buttler (right) appears to clear the ball after an effort from Jonny Bairstow (centre) to score

Captain Joe Root directs his players around the field as Thursday's training session continues

Head coach Trevor Bayliss and Root talk to the England team as training continues at the Oval

Cook's announcement came in the aftermath of England's hard-fought win over India at the Aegon Bowl, which gave them a 3-1 lead and a series win with a Test to spare. 

That gives England the chance to enjoy themselves in front of a typically raucous Oval crowd and Cook, who has been woefully out of sorts in this series, the chance to go out on a high without the added pressure. 

The Test will also see Bairstow return to his usual role behind the stumps after he was withdrawn for the fourth Test due to a fractured finger. Joss Buttler undertook duties in Southampton, but will move back into the field and make way for Bairstow.

The Yorkshireman was seen completing wicketkeeper drills during Thursday's session with a particular emphasis on testing the afflicted finger on his left hand.

Bairstow takes part in wicket-keeping drills ahead of his return following a broken finger

Bairstow was withdrawn from wicket-keeping duties for the fourth Test against India

An overview of the Oval during England's training session ahead of the fifth Test against India

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https://hienalouca.com/2018/09/06/alastair-cook-and-england-play-football-ahead-of-india-test/
Main photo article Alastair Cook looked in jovial spirits as he prepared for what will be his 161st and final Test appearance for England.
The 33-year-old will bring an end to a record-breaking international career in the fifth Test against India and took part in training with his England team-mates at the Oval on...

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Dianne Reeves Sport HienaLouca





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