Charlie Bennett looks back to how the career of England’s greatest ever batsman unfolded

On song: A young Alastair Cook showed flair in music and sport

At school, Alastair Cook was a talented chorister, but it was obvious even then that he struck the best notes with bat in hand.
As a young boy he sang at the prestigious St Paul’s Cathedral School, at times performing for both the Queen and Queen Mother, while he later played the clarinet, piano and saxophone.
He earned a scholarship to Bedford School at 13 and was president of the music society. A career in music was a possib...