Alastair Cook's international career has received another major boost after he was selected to join the England A squad.
The 20-year-old, who plays for Essex and Maldon, has been called-up for the tour to the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka as a replacement for Kevin Pietersen.
Pietersen has shone in the recent series of One-Day Internationals for England against South Africa and selectors have decided to give him a rest and open the door to Cook.
Cook's immediate reaction was shock and he said: "Someone obviously rates me. I didn't have a great season last year but I must have shown a bit of potential.
"I have to say it was a surprise, but a very pleasant one nonetheless. I'm looking forward to it and it will be a great opportunity for me."
Published Thursday, February 17, 2005
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