London, June 28 (IANS) England's cricket ODI captain Alastair Cook hit back at former skipper Michael Atherton after the latter criticised his batting style and fielding capabilities.

Atherton described Cook "a plodder at the top of the order" and "a bit of a donkey" in the field.

Cook retorted saying "it takes one to know one, I suppose".

Cook has been a prolific scorer in Tests but has often been criticised for his strike rate in the limited overs format. The southpaw has scored runs at a strike rate of 71.39 in 26 ODIS and has played only three games in the last two and a half years.

Cook, citing the example of his Test captain Andrew Strauss, said his strike rate would improve gradually.

"Strauss is a great example for me. His career strike rate rose as he went on. Hopefully I can follow in his footsteps. I think my one-day game has evolved since I last played," said Cook ahead of England's clash against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the five-match series.

"In Bangladesh I scored runs and I scored them quickly. Of course, I am nowhere near the finished article. But I have a far better understanding of my game and I can be more expansive.

"As an international player you always have to prove yourself and I am no different," he said.

Cook said it is essential for every international cricketer to adjust to be able to survive in multiple formats of the games.

"The ability to change your method and your mind-set is part of the skill set. You need to be able to switch between Test and one-day cricket and we need to get better at doing it."