Though a very able county opening batsman, Geoff Cook's main contribution to English cricket has been as an administrator and coach. Having been instrumental in improving the lot of the county pro through his diligent work as secretary and chairman of the Cricketer's Association, in 1991 he returned to his native north-east as Director of Cricket for Durham's maiden season as a first-class county. He 2007 he was named coach and guided the club to their first silverware, the Friends Provident Trophy. However, better followed the following season when Durham secured the Championship with victory against Kent. "I think this is probably my proudest achievement," he said.

In common with several other players of his generation, Cook's England chance came about as a result of the ban imposed on the 1982 rebel tourists to S.Africa. He never really seized this opportunity, being unable to transfer his consistent county form to the big stage. As coach, it was a different story.
Cricinfo staff