Alastair Cook: 'I am still motivated to be England captain'

Alastair Cook has insisted that he is still as determined as ever to deal with the pressure which is always on the shoulders of the England captain.

A difficult year has seen questions repeatedly raised over his suitability for the role, and he admits that he has been pleasantly surprised by how he has responded to his critics.

"I've always known I'm not a quitter and that's what has pleased me most," Cook told the Daily Mail. "I didn't take that option. I hung in there because I still have that fire and determination to try to lead England well.

"That might change at some point or they might decide they don't want me as captain any more, but I can't remember an England captain who's had to discuss his position and future as much as I have.

"I've surprised myself with how resilient I've been at the things which have been thrown at me. I've not come out of the other side as such, but I've got through it. It's been such a challenge and to win that Test series against India made me smile because of what I've been through over the last 12 months."

Cook's next task is to lead England to Sri Lanka for a one-day international series.