Tuesday 7 February 2017 06:02, UK
Sir Ian Botham believes Alastair Cook can overtake Sachin Tendulkar on the list of all-time Test run-scorers after stepping down as England captain.
Cook resigned his position as England's Test captain after 59 games in charge and Botham feels that the opener can now push on and try to surpass Tendulkar's record.
Tendulkar leads the way with 15,921 runs in Tests while Cook, 32, is currently someway back on 11,057. However, Botham feels Cook could be reinvigorated by his change of status in the team.
"I totally respect his decision," Botham told Sky Sports News HQ. "I think he's done a great job for England over the years, not just as a captain but as an opening batsman, and I think he deserves the right to enjoy a couple of years now.
"He's done everything, everything has a shelf-life and it is a decision only he can make. What people have to remember is that it is not only Alastair Cook the captain but the father and the husband as well.
"People can be quite severe. I think he's done his time and now he wants to enjoy the last two or three years of his career. He can go on as an opening batsman for quite a while."
While the 4-0 defeat to India proved to be Cook's final series in charge, Botham argued that it is the two series wins over Australia and the triumph on England's previous tour of India that will be remembered most.
"You can take the two Ashes victories or even the victory in India, which not many people do - as we saw this winter," he added.
"He's going to be remembered as England's highest ever run-scorer and he still has time to improve on that.
"He is probably the only man in world cricket at the moment who could go past Sachin Tendulkar. I don't see anyone else getting closer to him at the moment but records are there to be broken.
Benedict Bermange looks at the stats behind Cook's record reign as skipper
"Alastair Cook should be remembered for his achievements. When he first came into the England side, he got off a plane after coming three-quarters of the way around the world, walked out in Nagpur and got a hundred on debut.
"He's had a few highs and a few lows but you do that as a player and as a captain. He's got more good memories than bad memories."
After four-and-a-half years at the helm, the scrutiny and pressure on Cook will now be significantly diminished - something that he should relish, insists Botham.
"I think he's quite looking forward to standing at second slip, picking his nose and looking at Joe Root and saying 'it's over to you now, mate'," he said. "Because I'm sure it will be Joe Root who will take over - there's no-one else there.
"Alastair can stand at slip, chill out and enjoy the next couple of years. Sometimes a change like this can refresh you."
