England captain Alastair Cook: I never said I’d quit over Kevin Pietersen

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England captain Alastair Cook: I never said I’d quit over Kevin Pietersen
 
ALASTAIR COOK has denied claims he threatened to quit England if Kevin Pietersen was allowed to return.
 
 But the Test skipper admitted for the first time yesterday that he agrees with the decision to cut the controversial star loose.
 
 Speaking at Lord’s on the eve of today’s first Investec Test against New Zealand, Cook said: “There was no ultimatum. I can deny that.
 
 “I was not consulted on the decision. It was made by Andrew Strauss (Director of Cricket) and Tom Harrison (Chief Executive of the ECB), however I do agree with the decision, yes.”
 
 Apart from the Pietersen row, coach Peter Moores has also been axed in the wake of the team’s indifferent showing against the West Indies.
 
 But Cook is confident he side can focus on beating the Kiwis ahead of their showdown with Australia later in the summer.
 
 “It’s been an interesting two weeks,” Cook added.
 
 “But they are the decisions that have happened. We’ve just got to get on with the game now.”
 
 Paul Farbrace will act as interim coach for the two Test New Zealand series but the process of recruiting Moores’ successor has stepped up a gear with Jason Gillespie due to hold talks with Strauss.
 
 England look set to hand out at least one new Test cap today with Yorkshire opener Adam Lyth joining Cook at the top of the order.
 
 But he could be joined by Durham fast bowler Mark Wood, who is also in line for a start instead of Chris Jordan.
 
 New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum insists there is no chance of his side being undercooked despite the fact six of them have just been playing in the Indian Premier League.
 
 McCullum, Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Kane Williamson all arrived this week while Matt Henry and Corey Anderson were also involved in the tournament but arrived in time to play against Worcestershire last week.
 
 “There are undoubtedly challenges coming from the IPL,” McCullum said. “But it was only last year when we went to West Indies and got 500 in the first innings, so it can work as a positive as well. It’s certainly not an excuse.
 
 “You always want more preparation time but you have to understand the landscape of your season. We are happy.”