Alastair Cook is waiting in the wings ready to seize his chance to become an England Test star.
And Ronnie Irani, a former England Test player himself, believes his young Essex opening batsman is: "Ready to rise to the challenge NOW."
Irani told the Gazette: "Nothing is guaranteed in this game, but given the opportunity, Alastair is well-equipped to go on and succeed at the highest level.
"I hope his opportunity is only a few days away. With fellow opener Andrew Strauss due to return home to watch the birth of his first baby before next week's third Test, I'm hoping Alastair will win his first cap.
"And to those people asking if he is ready, I say Alastair may only be 20 but he will just lap it up.
"If you're good enough you're old enough in my book and the young left-hander is a very fine player."
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, November 23, 2005
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