Friday 16 October 2015 15:09, UK
Alastair Cook produced a batting masterclass to score his 28th Test century on day three of the first test against Pakistan, says Sir Ian Botham.
The England captain hit a brilliant 168 not out from 329 balls to lead England to 290-3 at stumps and in doing so became only the second non-Asian batsman, after South Africa's Jacques Kallis, to score eight Test tons in Asia.
Botham once again praised the Essex opener and his powers of concentration after he batted out the day to finish 32 runs short of what would be a third career double century.
"He has set things up for his team - it looked a pretty awesome task to do that as even though this is a flat pitch it is hot and you have to stick around," Botham said.
"His powers of concentration never fail to amaze me - he wasn't just going to sit there, he took it to the spinners, sweeping them, driving them and cutting anything short.
His powers of concentration never fail to amaze me. It was a masterclass.
"It was a masterclass but Cook has been in great form this year; he has equalled Kallis's record and could now beat Tendulkar's record."
Despite Cook's heroics, Botham had some words of sympathy for the bowlers on both sides and blasted the pitch in Abu Dhabi.
Just three wickets fell on day three to follow the four that were taken on day two and Botham believes the flat pitch at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium is damaging Test cricket.
"It's heart-breaking out there for the bowlers," the former England all-rounder said.
"There is nothing in the pitch for the seamers - the odd ball has maybe deviated a fraction but it hasn't swung - and, to be quite honest, it's not what Test cricket needs.
"There is no pace onto the bat and the new ball only lasts about seven or eight overs - it's not good for the game in any way, shape or form."
