Cook not looking too far ahead

Stand-in England captain Alastair Cook insists he is not looking at the tour of Bangladesh as an audition for securing the role on a permanent basis.

The opening batsman is taking the place of Andrew Strauss, who has decided to miss the tour to take a break from cricket.

Cook has been tipped as a future skipper, but he told BBC Radio Five Live: "I'm just looking at it as a six-week chunk. I'm genuinely excited and hopefully I can do a good job."

The 25-year-old is also determined not to let the extra responsibility have an adverse effect on his game, as has happened with former national team captains.

He continued: "I've obviously been thinking about our team and how we can improve. It takes a bit of energy out of you but it's exciting to put my stamp on the team.

"History suggests it does happen (a loss of form) but it's up to me to use my experience to separate the two things. I'm confident I can do it but results will show.

"I've got to do it my way. I've got a really good relationship with (England coach) Andy Flower - I played with him at Essex. We're looking to take England forward in Bangladesh."

Strauss' decision to miss the trip, which begins next week with a series of matches in the Middle East before three one-day internationals and two Tests against Bangladesh, has caused controversy.

Former Australia spinner Shane Warne criticised the batsman this week, saying he had shown a "lack of respect for Test cricket".

Cook, though, defended Strauss, adding: "It was a huge decision for Straussy, a very proactive one - he feels he needs a rest. He took a lot of time to make the decision. (Australia captain) Ricky Ponting missed five one-dayers after the Ashes so I don't think there's that much difference."