Craig Kieswetter of South African origin cracked his first century on debut to make 143, his highest ever score inone-day cricket as England trounced Bangladesh Cricket Board XI by 112 runs.
Kieswetter thus takes his place in next Sunday's opening one-day international against Bangladesh.
“He's given himself a very good chance of playing on Sunday,” Cook said after the match. “You talk about selection and Craig has made a massive claim for that spot. Obviously no decision has been made yet, but I'd be very surprised if he's not there at the top of the order on Sunday.”
Cook, who made a brisk 56, shared an opening stand of 127 with his new tyro, and while not exactly eclipsed by him, there was a stark difference in the way the ball came off their respective bats.
“He is up there with the best in how cleanly he hits the ball,” said Cook. “He hit the spinners over the top for six and to have the ability to do that as cleanly as he did shows what a fantastic talent he is. Hopefully we won't build him up too much in the media.”
Some hundreds, like Kieswetter's, proclaim an exciting new talent. Others, like the flawless one later played by Paul Collingwood, do it with the kind of knowing nod that has seen him become the wicket opponents prize most after Kevin Pietersen, dimissed on Tuesday, ironically, for a first-ball duck in England's total of 370 for seven.
Collingwood, who shared a 125-run stand with Kieswetter for the third wicket, also proved he is no slouch when it comes to turning on the power. Although rarely as eye-catching, he matched the half dozen sixes struck by Kieswetter with England managing a hearty 14 in their innings - the most since their run-spree against New Zealand in Napier two years ago.
Collingwood loomed large in that game too after making a 26-ball fifty, the fastest ever for England. On Tuesday, his second fifty here was even quicker, taking just 23 balls, but then his eye was in and the bowlers, as they had been all innings, were generous in their complicity. Later, when the home side batted, England's attack were to prove far more disciplined with Graeme Swann, abetted by some generous umpiring decisions, outstanding with four for 44.
