Cook desperate to stay on as England captain

Alastair Cook has said he is desperate to stay on as England captain after hinting he may quit earlier in the week.

Cook said he was considering his future as England's One-Day International skipper after his side lost the limited overs series against Australia with Sunday's seven-wicket thrashing in Sydney on the back of a humiliating Ashes whitewash.

His spirits had improved, however, ahead of the fourth ODI in Perth on Friday.

"That was quite an emotional time - we'd just lost another game," the 29-year-old said at the toss.

"I'm lucky enough to do this job. I'm desperate to carry on now."

Cook has received the backing of the England and Wales Cricket Board to lead the team's rebuilding process despite becoming only the third England captain to suffer an Ashes whitewash.

After losing the last ODI against Australia at home, England have lost nine consecutive matches under Cook, including the five Ashes Tests.

Image: Alastair Cook

Photograph: Mark Nolan/Getty Images