ALASTAIR COOK said yesterday that he had doubts about his place in the team and embarrassment at his poor form before the record-breaking double-century which has put England in control of the fourth Test.

Cook’s unbeaten 244 at the MCG followed six innings totalling 83 runs down under as England lost the first three matches and therefore the Ashes before Christmas.

He has returned to form, belatedly but with a vengeance, in time at least to end any realistic prospect of a third 5-0 whitewash in England’s last four Ashes tours.