Tuesday 23 December 2014 00:16, UK
Alastair Cook put a brave face on his sacking as England's one-day captain as he took on Test team-mate James Anderson in a one-leg shoot-out at the World Darts Championship.
Cook was told on Sunday he had lost the captaincy, as well as his place in England’s World Cup squad, but he refused to be too downhearted as he defeated Anderson in a prelude to the evening’s action at Alexandra Palace.
A double-11 checkout after scores of 100 and 140 secured the win for Cook before he joined former world champion Eric Bristow on commentary to discuss a turbulent spell in his cricketing career.
"It's been an interesting couple of days," Cook told Sky Sports Darts.
"I'm frustrated and disappointed not to be joining Jimmy on the plane. Sometimes these things happen. I take it on the chin and get a couple of weeks away.
It's gutting and frustrating, but that's the way of the world and you have to get over it.
"It's gutting and frustrating, but that's the way of the world and you have to get over it and I wish the guys well."
Cook will now spend some time on his farm before preparing for a busy 2015 which involves Test series against the West Indies, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
"It's hard to talk about it at the moment (the World Cup) because of the way I feel, but there are Tests next year, two real marquee series (against Australia and South Africa) and hopefully I can get back scoring some runs,” added Cook.
