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 08 October 2008 00:44 BST

Cook picks England above IPL big bucks

Friday, 02 May 2008 11:12
Alastair Cook says he would pick England over the IPL
England opening batsman Alastair Cook has said he would choose playing Test cricket for his country above any big-money contract in the Indian Premier League.

The IPL has broken new ground in the game, with multi-million dollar contracts for the top players for only a six-week schedule of Twenty20 matches.

Stars such as Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds and Mahendra Singh Dhoni have signed up to the competition, although only one Englishman - Dimitri Mascarenhas - will play this season.

Cook has established himself as a regular in the Test side, although his form in the shortened versions of the game has been less impressive.

And he claims the lure of the big money in India has not turned his head, particularly because he believes form in Test matches "is still the benchmark" and he "can't see that changing".

"England comes first," the Essex opener told the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) website.

"I can't see people turning their back on playing for their country. There is no greater thrill than scoring hundreds or taking wickets to win games.

"It's better than the IPL. Financially it's better to play in the IPL but life is not all about money. The schedules are so tight that it is just not possible."

Cook is expected to be selected in the England Test team for the opening match against New Zealand at Lord's in two weeks time as the hosts look to follow up the 2-1 series win down under.End of story


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