Alastair Cook has indicated that he might step down as England captain following the conclusion of the Test series against India.

The 31-year-old, who was given the role in 2012, is on the verge of breaking Michael Atherton's record of 54 Tests as England skipper in the upcoming five-match series against India.

Cook has not confirmed when he will step down, but has insisted that when he does, he would like to continue as an opening batsman for his country.

"Deep down I don't know how much longer I am going to carry on," Cook told The Cricketer magazine. "It could be two months, it could be a year.

"I do look forward to the day when hopefully I can play a Test match as just a batter, there's no doubt about that. If that happens I am going to really enjoy standing at first slip and being the bloke who makes suggestions to whoever's in charge and not being the bloke who has to make the final decision.

"There have been some tough moments and amazing moments and you can enjoy that success that little bit more because of what you go through as England captain."

Cook has scored 10,688 runs in 135 Test matches, which is the highest by any England batsman, and has guided the team to victory in 24 of his Tests as captain.