Lords is past,need to look at the greater goal

England batsman Alastair Cook feels that the team has to quickly get over the elation of winning the second Ashes Test at Lords as prolonged celebrations...

England batsman Alastair Cook feels that the team has to quickly get over the elation of winning the second Ashes Test at Lords as prolonged celebrations may end up derailing their bid to regain the coveted urn.

We have to forget about Lords. There are three matches to go and if we keep harping on about Lords we might miss the greater goal,which is winning the Ashes. It was very special beating Australia,but it will mean little if we dont back it up, Cook was quoted as saying by The Sunday Times.

Cook believes that England also have to stop worrying over the loss of Kevin Pietersen,who has been ruled out due to an Achilles injury. KPs our best batter. His stats say that and he has that rare ability to change games. Hes a huge loss,but theres no point wishing he was around. We have to move on. Someone else has a great chance to fill his boots, Cook said.

Looking back at the Lords triumph,the first for England against Australia in 75 years,Cook feels that all-rounder Andrew Flintoff was the most inspiring figure in the team,both on and off the field.

The tone was set by Fred and the crowd,who were in early, Cook said. You could see Fred building himself up for a mammoth effort. You could sense him taking the responsibility on himself,going,Right. This is my time to get on both honours boards. I want to get on those boards and win the game for England. He spoke to the team on the field,spoke very well about us staying calm,keeping our heads and not panicking.

Bell set for Test recall

Ian Bell is set to replace Pietersen after England on Sunday named the Warwickshire batsman in their 13-member squad for the third Ashes Test against Australia starting Thursday at Edgbaston.

The England and Wales Cricket Board is also optimistic that Flintoff,nursing a troublesome knee,would be fit for the match even though it named pacer Steve Harmison,apart from left-arm spinner Monty Panesar,in the 13-man squad.

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Bell is more or less certain to walk into the playing XI since Pietersen underwent a surgery that ruled him out of action for at least six weeks. We have obviously had to make a change to the side following Kevin Pietersens unavailability… Kevins injury has presented an opportunity for Ian Bell who we know is a top-class batsmen with an excellent international record for England, chief selector Geoff Miller said.

Ian will be looking to make the most of his return to the side during an Ashes series and while we have a strong idea of where he will bat we wont be disclosing the final line-up of the side until the toss on Thursday, he added.