Alastair Cook warns Rory Burns may need to evolve technique to survive in international cricket

Dismissed for a single figure score for the sixth time in the last 11 innings, the England opener's technique has again come under the microscope

Rory Burns' technique may require a rethink if he is to remain England's Test opener, according to former captain Alastair Cook.

The Surrey batter was dismissed for a single figure score for the sixth time in the last 11 innings on day two of the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

Burns edged Mitchell Starc behind in the first of two wickets lost by the tourists, leaving them 17 for 2 at the close in reply to Australia's 473 for 9 declared.

The dismissal was the continuation of his undulating form in 2021 which has included one century, three fifties and six ducks.

Cook, England's highest-ever run-scorer who was a constant at the top of the order for more than a decade, believes Burns' quirky approach could threaten his international future if it is not adapted.

Edged and the first one is down.

Rory Burns is caught by Steve Smith and has to go for four#Ashes pic.twitter.com/GRKxO7i2OQ

— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) December 17, 2021

"To start against international quality bowling is tough," he told BT Sport. "It is a hard place to bat. When Rory Burns gets in, he's ok. His inconsistency will be due to having moving parts and getting them all in sync is very hard.

"This is a method he has worked out himself. You're not going to teach anyone to bat like that, just like Steve Smith worked out his method. He's gone 'this is how I play cricket and score my runs'. 

"He's almost at that point now where if he wants to take that next step on in international cricket does he have to evolve again?

"He's been very consistent with this technique at county cricket. This is what he's going to stick to. You're always told in international cricket do what you do in county cricket, don't change how you play.

"It is probably getting to the stage now where he'll have to sit down himself and say 'what do I need to improve?'

^{It was the second time Burns has been dismissed by Starc in the series (Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)}

"It is a technique that he has to decide what he's going to do about. Mitchell Starc for the next five Test matches, if he stays fit, is the perfect combination against him.

"This does work for Rory Burns on occasions but to be more consistent early on in his innings. I think he needs to think about how he gets that bat coming down.

"It is in Rory Burns' hands still. He has one more opportunity (in the second innings) to put what we're talking about to bed. Can he put that there and perform? If he scores a hundred he then gets to play some more games because he's earned the right."

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