Cook keen to play it safe

17 April 2007

Geoff Cook © Durham CCC

Geoff Cook makes the transition from director of cricket to head coach at Durham vowing to avoid a repeat of last year’s “surreal” finish that saw the county need favours from elsewhere to avoid the drop.

The former England batsman was named as Martyn Moxon’s replacement at the Riverside in January following Moxon’s return to Yorkshire, and heads into the new campaign full of optimism.

Durham looked certain to be playing LV County Championship Division Two cricket this season after failing to win what was billed as a final-day relegation decider at Yorkshire.

But Sussex’s comprehensive defeat of Nottinghamshire sent the 2005 champions down by half a point.

“Halfway through the season, results and things started to suggest that we were in for a battle and then it became a rather surreal existence,” Cook said.

Steve Harmison shines with the ball for MMC against Sussex © Getty Images

Buy this photo

“We’ve got to be wary of those pitfalls and how things can slide pretty quickly and show a lot more resilience over a concerted period.”

Despite the late-season slump, Durham started the campaign in fine style, with Gordon Muchall’s fine 219 against Kent one of the highlights, and Cook is confident of recapturing that form this term.

“I think everyone’s positive about things so we’re looking forward to it,” he said.

“Paul Collingwood could well be on England duty for most of the year, but Steve Harmison’s one-day international retirement should make him available more.

“Stephen’s been with us pre-season and I think he’s enjoyed the build-up,” Cook said.

Harmison impressed with his pace and hostility in MCC’s traditional curtain-raiser against county champions Sussex at Lord’s, taking 3-52 from 25 overs and breaking Michael Yardy’s finger.

Cook will no doubt be hoping it is a sign of things to come.