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Alec Stewart defends Alastair Cook after Shane Warne outburst

Alec Stewart backs Alastair Cook as the England captain after Shane Warne labelled him as "negative, boring and not very imaginative".

Alec Stewart has leapt to the defence of England captain Alastair Cook in the wake of being described as "negative, boring and not very imaginative" by Shane Warne.

The Australia legend questioned the 28-year-old's style to leading the Three Lions, stating that Cook is too cautious in his approach and that it could be a weakness for the tourists Down Under.

However, Stewart has backed Cook's technique and thinks that Warne is merely starting the mind games ahead of the winter Ashes.

"While I have the upmost respect for one of Australia's finest cricketers, I prefer to judge people on outcomes rather than methods and England's results since Cook succeeded Andrew Strauss suggest he is doing a very good job," Stewart told BBC Sport.

"Cook has won three of his four series in charge, including a historic triumph away in India and a 3-0 win in last summer's Ashes series. In 14 Tests, he has lost just once.

"The England opener is fortunate enough to have a very strong group of players at his disposal, allowing him to continue with a method that is tried and trusted. It may not always produce the most thrilling cricket, but who cares about that if it results in a victory?"

The first Ashes Test gets underway in Brisbane on November 21.

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England captain Alastair Cook during a nets session at the WACA on October 27, 2013
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