Cook defends Strauss decision

At the end of a week that has seen Lalit Modi flexing his muscles over the Champions League and the launch of cricket's first global Twenty20 franchise, England's tour of Bangladesh looks increasingly insignificant to the game's changing landscape. However, for Alastair Cook, the man at the helm, it provides an important opportunity for him to show he can handle the captaincy role that he has appeared pre-ordained to take since he was a schoolboy.

Cook was officially unveiled as England captain in the Sandton Sun hotel in Johannesburg almost a month ago when it was confirmed that Andrew Strauss would take the tour off. But just to add to complicated nature of the England captaincy, Cook will be back in the ranks when the team lands in Dubai on Saturday with Paul Collingwood taking over for the two Twenty20s against Pakistan which were arranged at short notice.

However, Cook has now had the chance for his new-captain-at-Lord's moment and, as he did in South Africa, offered a strong defence of the decision to change leaders. "There's a huge amount of time and effort that has gone into that decision and it's a proactive event for him [Strauss]," he said.

"He's looking ahead to what is a huge time for us over the next 18 months with the Ashes and the World Cup. He's decided he needs the break so he is fully refreshed and we are fully backing that decision. It gives opportunities for other players to step in and it gets a few more people used to international cricket."

It is a move that has provoked much debate about dereliction of duty and the risk Strauss is taking by standing aside, most recently from Shane Warne. England should win comfortably in Bangladesh, but there is potential for embarrassment, especially in the one-dayers, and if any part of the tour doesn't go to plan the heat will be on Strauss's decision.

"There's a huge amount of cricket to be played and he's decided he needs a rest and it gives me a massive opportunity to learn and get some experience in the role," Cook said. "Bangladesh are a hugely talented side at home and will be a tough nut to crack. We have to focus on playing good cricket but if we turn up and think we will win easily we will come unstuck."

Cook has worn the tag of Future England Captain since his days at Bedford School, yet has precious little leadership experience on his CV. He led the England Under-19 side at the World Cup in Bangladesh in 2004, but this trip will give him a taste of what the top job takes.

"I'm viewing this as a six-week block and not looking too far ahead," he said. "I'm excited by the opportunity and hopefully it will benefit me as a person and a cricketer. Creating more leaders in the English side will help Straussy when he comes back, but to lead out my country will be thrilling and I will give it my all for six weeks."

Cook has prepared for the tour with a spot of lambing on the family farm having taken a break from cricket since his return from South Africa, but in the past week has been tapping the brain of his mentor, Graham Gooch, while also speaking regularly to Andy Flower and Strauss. Cook is grateful for all the advice he can get, although he is keen to put his own stamp on the captaincy.

"Straussy and I have spoken in the last week and I'm going to continue the work he's been doing," he said. "We are singing from the same hymn sheet. We want to move the team forward and I'm sure it will be a seamless link when he returns.

"He will be on the end of the phone if I want to chat to him but we also have a lot of experience in the squad. However, if you try to be something you're not it's very hard to keep that up and I'm definitely going to do it my way. Ultimately I need to be my own man and need to get my ideas out there as well."