Cook drops centurion Sangakkara on 41 and is out lbw for one on disappointing day
Saturday 13 December 2014 15:18, UK
Alastair Cook fell lbw for one as England were all out for 202 in a 90-run defeat to Sri Lanka in the sixth ODI in Pallekele.
Kumar Sangakkara had earlier scored 112 – his 20th international ODI century and third against England – as his side set a challenging target of 292-7.
Defeat for England means the series is lost at 4-2 with just one game left to play.
But asked if he still expected to be captain when England take on Australia and India in an ODI tri-series next month, Cook replied: “Yes.”
“It's tough at the moment - not scoring the runs I'd like is not a great place to be as a captain,” he said. “You want to lead from the front, and when it's not happening for you it is incredibly frustrating.
“I'm a better player than I'm showing at the moment, and I've just got to keep going.”
It was a disappointing day all-round for the captain, dropping a simple chance off Sangakkara at mid-off when he was on 41.
It proved costly, as the batsman – celebrating his final appearance on his home ground – continued his fine form in the series which has seen him notch five consecutive scores of fifty plus.
He put on a crucial 153-run partnership with Tillakaratne Dilshan after England had shown promise early on with the ball.
“Days like these don't make the job any easier,” reflected Cook. “It was obviously the turning point today, because I thought our first 24 overs or so were probably the best we've bowled on this tour.
“There's no hiding place. It was a catch which I would take more times than not.”
Sangakkara felt some sympathy for the man who gave him the reprieve.
“It's never a question of ability,” he said. “I think he just needs to relax, and get on with the job – because without a doubt, he's a fantastic player.
“I've had these patches; everyone in cricket has. But things always come good if you work hard and prepare well.
“When it turns, Alastair is a guy who will make that count.”
Watch the seventh and final ODI between Sri Lanka and England, on Sky Sports 2 from 8.30am on Tuesday.
