ALASTAIR COOK arrived in the cyclone-struck city of Chennai yesterday in no mood to be blown away as England captain.
Head coach Trevor Bayliss has revealed unanimous support for Cook — nicknamed Chef — as he ponders his future after England’s crushing Test series defeat to India.
Bayliss is adamant not a single person in the set-up wants Joe Root to replace Cook at least until after next winter’s Ashes.
It is a stunning endorsement for Cook as he prepares to discuss his future with ECB chief Andrew Strauss next month.
England, 3-0 down in the series, still have the dead-rubber Fifth Test on Friday and the result could yet influence what happens to Cook, 31.
If they lose, they will drop to sixth in the world Test rankings after being close to No 1 during the summer.
Chennai was in the eye of Cyclone Vardah on Monday with 10 deaths as gusts reached 140kmh.
The stadium outfield was drenched and England’s practice today has been cancelled.
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There was some damage to a sightscreen and floodlight bulbs but organisers are confident the Test will take place.
When asked about Cook, Bayliss insisted: “Every other person in the changing-room would be very surprised and disappointed if he didn’t carry on as captain.
“The job he has done since I’ve been with the team is fantastic.
“There’s more to being captain off the field that you don’t get to see. He’s been fantastic and every player to a man looks up to Alastair. When he talks, they listen.
“We’re going through a transition period with younger guys coming in.”
Bayliss will recommend to Strauss that Cook remains in charge and is confident the ex-opening partnership will reach a satisfactory conclusion.
He added: “Strauss has been a bit of a mentor to Cooky.
“If asked, I’d say he should continue but those two obviously have a big history together.
“Nothing is ever 100 per cent. It’s like selection, you don’t want the same philosophy from every selector, you want different ideas.
“So at times, we come from slightly different angles.”
Keaton Jennings, who made a ton on his Test debut in Mumbai, will captain the Lions on their tour of Sri Lanka in February and March.
Haseeb Hameed, who should be back from a hand injury, is chosen for the four-day games while Ben Duckett is in the white ball squad.
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