Full credit to Cook for Ashes win: Collingwood

London, Aug 17 (IANS) Former England all-rounder Paul Collingwood has heaped praise on skipper Alastair Cook for his brave and spot on captaincy despite facing criticism in the past, also adding that the opening batsman is the main reason behind the hosts reclaiming the Ashes with a 3-1 win over Australia. Australia are 1-3 down against England with a Test still to go in the five-match series.

"A lot of credit goes to Alastair Cook himself. The way he has led the team is incredible. He has stood firm amidst a lot of criticism in the past," Collingwood was quoted as saying by espncricinfo on Sunday.

"Cook has got himself into a position where he has taken his team forward to beat a very good Australian side as they were in top form coming into this Ashes series," he added. The former right-handed batsman said that the young players in the England squad enjoy playing under the skipper and this may help the side claim the top spot in Tests in days to come.

"The way the team has beaten Australia, full credit goes to Cook the way he has led the team. The youngsters are excited to play under him and are behind him. English cricket is really in an exciting place at the moment," the World Twenty20 winning captain said. "When you have so many talented youngsters in the team and who can win matches on their own is incredible. If they can continue with this then the No. 1 status will come soon by their way."