ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Five reasons England lost to Sri Lanka

4. Lack of imaginative leadership

Alastair Cook is a reliable performer with the bat, and his consistency at the top of the order inspires respect; he manages the English media very well too. However, he does seem to lack that imaginative element that is so essential for a captain. He must be able to make things happen when the players on the field are beginning to drop their shoulders. He did not show any aggressive intent when Dilshan and Sangakkara were beginning to form a partnership; nor was there any urgency when Jayawardene and Sangakkara did the same. There were no inspired bowling changes, and that makes the difference between a good leader and a great leader.