Alastair Cook: 'I'm still not in Graham Gooch's class'

Published: May 29 2015 | 05:31

Last updated: May 29 2015 | 11:17

Alastair Cook is adamant that he still won't be in the same class as Graham Gooch even when he passes his all-time record for most Test runs scored by an England batsman.

Alastair Cook has insisted that he is still not in the class of Graham Gooch as he closes in on his Test record for most runs scored for England.

The Three Lions captain needs just 32 runs to surpass Gooch as his country's leading run scorer in Test cricket, which would be the second time in the space of four matches that an England record has fallen after James Anderson overhauled Sir Ian Botham's wicket haul.

"It would be a lovely moment," Cook told reporters. "I wouldn't put myself anywhere near his class, but it would be a great moment.

"I've got to get there yet. But Jimmy spoke about it as well in the changing-room: you just don't believe you're at top of tree when you see some of the guys you're ahead of.

"I wouldn't be here without Goochy's help, so it'll be slightly strange if I do go past his record, because without his dedication to my game I wouldn't have scored half the runs I've scored. But it'll be a great moment if it happens."

Cook could break the record later today at the start of the second Test against New Zealand.