In issue No.1 of the revived Wisden Cricket Monthly, England’s greatest ever Test runscorer says: “The game has evolved more quickly than I imagined it would do.

“Soon it [Test cricket] will not be viable. There’s no money in it because that’s all in the T20 leagues – or T10 as it probably will be soon – and we have to be worried about that. That’s my opinion. T20 is a brilliant game but I think Test cricket is still the ultimate test of all-round skills. There has to be some meaning or context to the game. And Test cricket has to be subsidised too. Maybe in order for a T20 league to be sanctioned by the ICC they have to give some of that money to preserve Test cricket.”

In an exclusive interview, former England captain Cook opens up to John Stern about his fears for Test cricket’s future, Mark Stoneman’s chances, and why he’s channelling his inner Jose Mourinho ahead of the toughest series of them all.

Even Cook, now embarking on his fourth Ashes series down under – lugging a personal scoreline that reads Australia 11, England 3 – there is no doubt about it. “It’s one of the great tours to go on. [Andrew] Strauss said that while he doesn’t miss the saying goodbye, there is jealousy in his eyes. This is a bloke who hasn’t played for five years wishing he was on that plane. You do have to appreciate that as a player. I will give myself the odd minute at certain grounds because I’m very unlikely to be there in four years’ time.”

One player looking to establish himself is Mark Stoneman, Cook’s 12th opening partner since Strauss’ retirement. Cook believes Stoneman has all the attributes to be a success. “I really like him. He’s certainly got the temperament to play Test cricket. And he hits the bad ball, which is a good trait to have. He needs a bit of luck in the first couple of games but if he can get a couple of scores, he’ll be well away.”