Cook's future looks good to Gooch

London, Mar 2: Impressed by Alastair Cook's handling of pressure during his sedate 60 in the first Test against India, former England captain Graham Gooch predicted a bright future for the youngster.

According to Gooch, who coaches Essex where Cook is a regular player, the youngster showed glimpse of his potentials during the knock and his handling of the Indian spinners were quite impressive.

''He wasn't ruffled by the situation. I thought he handled it well, especially the Indian spinners. He's got a lot to learn, he's got to enhance his game in terms of options against spinners but he did a good job for his country,'' Gooch told BBC Test Match Special.

''He stepped up a grade straight away and that's due to his temperament, the way he works at his game - he's very keen to learn,'' Gooch said.

Opining that the series against India would do a world of good to the batsman, Gooch said, ''When you first come into international cricket you have to handle the cauldron of pressure.'' ''When you play county cricket the bowlers are of good quality but the pressure's not there,' he said.

''He played like I expected him to. He's got a lot of self-belief, he's very mature for his age, he's got a good temperament which will stand him in good stead for his career,'' Gooch added.

UNI