Cook happy with practice preparation

Ahmedabad: England could not get what would have been a morale-boosting win but England captain Alastair Cook on Sunday said he was happy with the team's preparations ahead of the opening Test against India starting November 15.

"Everyone's got a chance to play in the three practice games. It was a good workout for the team. We are settling down nicely," said Cook after the third practice match against Haryana ended in a draw. Regarding lack of quality opposition in the last two matches, Cook stated, "That's something beyond our control."

Asked whether not exposing quality spinners in the practice matches would backfire on India, Cook again presented a straight bat.

England reduced Haryana to 133 for 6 in 42 overs in the last session with the last four wickets falling for 45 runs.

"Only time will tell. But we have had good spinners bowling to us in the nets," he said. On the impressive show by bowlers in the last session of the final day, Cook said it was encouraging to see them bowl well even on an unresponsive pitch.

England reduced Haryana to 133 for 6 in 42 overs in the last session with the last four wickets falling for 45 runs. Yorkshire fast bowler Tim Bresnan bowled an incisive spell of aggressive fast bowling, picking up two wickets for four runs in as many overs.

"Tim has been a part of our schemes for the last two years. And, it's good to see him, Stuart Meaker and Graham Onions perform well. All three bowlers should good control," said Cook.

Talking about the injured duo of Steve Finn and Stuart Broad, Cook said they bowled in the nets and would be fit for the first Test.

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