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Alastair Cook says Kevin Pietersen's book has 'tarnished' England

Image: Kevin Pietersen and Alastair Cook in happier times

England captain Alastair Cook believes the successful Andrew Strauss-Andy Flower era has been "tarnished" by Kevin Pietersen's autobiography.

Pietersen's book was released this week and he made a number of media appearances in which he repeated several allegations, including claims of a bullying culture in the England dressing room.

Flower and wicketkeeper Matt Prior, in particular, were singled out by the 34-year-old batsman for criticism.

Speaking for the first time about Pietersen's allegations, Cook said: "I am very proud of the era I have played in; to win three Ashes, to become the best side in the world; to play with some great players. I really only have fond memories of that.

I do believe that era has been tarnished, and I am sad about that.
Alastair Cook

“I am incredibly proud to have contributed in that period. To play under Andrew Strauss, to have played under Andy Flower as coach, I have only got respect for these guys. I do believe that era has been tarnished, and I am sad about that."

Cook added: "I only have respect for Andy Flower as a man, and as a coach. He was an amazing coach for our side.

"Chatting to some of the guys about it, they feel the same; a lot of the success was down to his drive and determination to make us a tough England side."

More from Pietersen Autobiography

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Kevin Pietersen discusses at length the controversial parts of his autobiography, including recent accusations regarding Matt Prior and Andy Flower, his re

Cook, while acknowledging there were times when players overstepped the mark, strongly refuted the bullying allegations.

Tough place

Attempting to draw a line under Pietersen's book, Cook said: "International cricket is a tough place and as a team you are striving for excellence at all times.

"Certainly at some stages those frustrations probably boiled over more than they should have done, but that was only people desperate to succeed and wanting to know the other 10 blokes around them were committed 100 per cent to them.

"Did it over step the mark a couple of times? Possibly, but we addressed those issues - this is something that always happens in teams. It certainly wasn't a 'bullying environment' at all in my eyes."

The criticism of Prior came as a particular surprise to Cook.

Describing him in glowing terms, Cook hopes the Sussex man can represent England again if he can recover from an Achilles injury.

Shock

"That was probably the biggest shock for me. He is a great man who has been a fantastic servant for English cricket," Cook said.

"Hopefully if he can get through his really nasty injury, we could see him again in an England shirt.

"He has to be remembered as a guy who put his heart and soul on the line for England all the time, and the team was all that mattered to him. He has put everything into the England shirt and he should be incredibly proud of that."

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