Top 5 gritty knocks of Alastair Cook

#1 263 vs Pakistan – Abu Dhabi (2015)

When England toured UAE to face Pakistan, Alastair Cook was into his 10th year in international cricket and had built an excellent reputation of being one of the best players of spin. His record in Asia was one of the best among touring batsmen.

In the first Test in that three-match series, Cook proved why he is rated so highly in Asia and against spinners, in particular. Pakistan won the toss and batted first and put up a mammoth 523 on the board. England were under pressure with a mountain to climb.

Alastair Cook showed England the way as he struck 263 in what was a marathon knock. He batted for an astounding 836 minutes (528 balls) as he drained and sucked the life out of the Pakistan bowlers. His knock propelled England to 599.

The visitors almost won the game after they bowled Pakistan out for 173 in the second innings, but bad light interrupted play late on Day five to force a draw. But Cook’s marathon 14-hour knock of 263 earned him the Man of the Match.