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Alastair Cook rejects Kevin Pietersen's plea to resign as England's ODI captain

Alastair Cook rejects fresh appeals from former England batsman Kevin Pietersen to resign as ODI captain following a 15th loss in 22 matches against Test-playing nations.

Alastair Cook has ignored Kevin Pietersen's plea for him to resign and insisted that he is determined to carry on as England's one-day international captain.

Axed batsman Pietersen urged Cook to step down and concentrate on the longest format following the eight-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday.

It was England's 15th defeat in their last 22 completed ODIs against Test-playing nations, but Cook has claimed that there is still belief inside the camp that he is the right man to turn things around before next year's World Cup.

He told reporters: "People are entitled to their view. That's the nature of the beast when you're on the outside.

"People believe what they want to believe. In our dressing room, we've got to stay strong as a group.

"We're the guys who have the honour of playing for England at this moment in time, and we have guys who have the opportunity to turn it round - not other people outside."

Cook was appointed as 50-over skipper in 2011 and led England to the top of the world rankings and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy finals, but has been under severe pressure following an alarming dip in form.

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England's Alastair Cook walks off the field after losing his wicket during day 5 of the 3rd Ashes Test on August 5, 2013
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