LONDON - Alastair Cook was in an upbeat mood after England topped a memorable few days for their captain with a six-wicket win in the fourth one-day international against South Africa at Lord's yesterday.
A week that saw England fall 1-0 behind in this five-match series following an 80-run thrashing in Southampton on Tuesday ended with them 2-1 in front after a four-wicket victory across London at The Oval on Friday was followed by yesterday's success at Lord's.
In between going 1-0 down and levelling at 1-1, Cook, the one-day skipper for more than a year, was appointed England's Test captain after his longstanding opening partner Andrew Strauss retired from all cricket.
England, who had been knocked off top spot in all three international formats by South Africa this season are now set to regain their place at the summit of the 50-over world rankings even if the Proteas square a series.