Sir Ian Botham believes that Alastair Cook needs to be a more aggressive captain if England are to become the number one team in the world.

The 28-year-old took over as skipper of the Three Lions last year following the resignation of Andrew Strauss and has led his side to wins over New Zealand and India.

Botham told Sky Sports News: "At times I think he sits back a little bit too long but you can't blame him for that entirely because that's been the England way.

"To be the best team in the world you have to put your foot on the throat of the opposition at times and let them know that you mean business."

Cook will lead England in his first Ashes series as captain when the first Test against Australia begins on July 10.