Paceman Chris Jordan insists under siege England captain Alastair Cook is relaxed and determined to “leave Australia with some respectability”, despite his poor form with the bat.
Cook has averaged just 22.72 in his 11 innings against Australia this summer.
His captaincy style has also been questioned by former international cricketers, such as Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan, Geoffrey Boycott, Ian Chappell and Shane Warne.
Yet despite leading England to a sixth straight loss against Australia in the first ODI in Melbourne on Sunday, Cook has the full support of his players, Jordan says.
“Cook’s been pretty relaxed, and probably one of the most favourite people in the dressing room at the minute,” said Jordan, who was praised by Cook as one of England’s best performers on Sunday in his second ODI.
“He’s very much looking forward to this series and trying to leave Australia with some respectability, so I think the guys are helping him through it pretty well.”
Australian allrounder Glenn Maxwell threw a verbal hand grenade into the England camp on Monday when he said the “drained” visitors could also be crushed 5-0 in the one-day series.
“I think they’re still carrying a little bit of the effects from the Ashes,” Maxwell said.
However, Jordan insists the England camp remains upbeat, and they have another opportunity to get back in the winner’s circle on Tuesday against the Brett Lee-led Prime Minister’s XI at Canberra’s Manuka Oval.
“The feeling in the camp is very good, very vibrant,” he said.
“It’s just a matter of executing those skills on the day, and I’m sure we’ll come up with a win.”
England will name their team for the PM’s XI match on Tuesday.