Ed Smith keen for England to make use of Alastair Cook’s expertise

Cook is currently playing his final Test innings, and will wrap up at the end of The Oval Test as his country’s most capped player in the format, as well as the highest run-getter and century-maker.

That – 161 Test matches – is a lot of experience, and one that can only benefit England once Cook is ready to get involved.

“I’m not sure about what he wants to do. He’s going to play for Essex for a while. He may just look at his options. I think it would be terrific for England cricket to tap into him as a resource,” Smith told BBC Radio during the course of the fifth and final Test against India.

“I’ve had the odd chat with him about bowlers and batters this summer, but next year maybe we’ll have something a bit more formal where he comes and really advises.”

Along with being England’s most prolific Test batsman, Cook has also won admirers over the years for his quiet determination, down-to-earth attitude and good-guy persona.

“He’s had so many games as captain, a record there, as a player he’s the record run-scorer in history, and he’s a calm, balanced and fair person,” pointed out Smith. “So I think we’ve got to try and tap into that knowledge and wisdom without a doubt.

“It doesn’t necessarily have to be that structured, but someone people know they can talk to as a trusted advisor.”