Talented young Essex batsman Alastair Cook has been given the honour of captaining the England under-19 side in the forthcoming World Cup in Bangladesh.
The 19-year-old from Wickham Bishops just simply could not refuse the chance to lead the nation's brightest young talent.
He said: "Of course I said 'yes' and I'm looking forward to it.
"To represent your country is an honour but to lead it is fantastic and I'm just looking forward to the challenge.
"It was a surprise but obviously I'm delighted and am looking forward to going out there to win the World Cup."
The left-handed batsman made his debut for Essex in the floodlit game against Pakistan in the summer and, when not turning out for the county, this year he contributed to Maldon's successful campaign in the East Anglian Premier League, where they finished runners-up.
He replaces Nottinghamshire's Samit Patel.
More on Essex County Cricket Club
Published Thursday January 15, 2004
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