Cook confident over fitness

Alastair Cook is confident of taking part in England's Test series against Pakistan after recovering from the back injury that kept him out of most of the England Lions fixtures in their recent tri-series against A sides from India and West Indies. But the left-handed opening batsman conceded that the problem may require further treatment and surgery in the future.

"There is a possibility that I may need surgery in the future, but it's not high at the moment and I was fully fit to play in the final," said Cook, who returned for the final of the series against India A after missing three games. "If it [the back] stays like this, I'll be fully fit and I won't need surgery in the future.

"I'll also definitely be fit for the series with Pakistan unless something drastic happens and I'll now go and play Twenty20 and four-day cricket for Essex."

Cook previously suffered back problems on England's tour of South Africa last year when he was pulled out of the one-day squad mid-way through the series. It was diagnosed as a bulging disc and at the time Cook said it was something he would need to manage, but recovered to take part in the Test matches.

"My back is obviously a little bit frustrating but hopefully I've just turned the corner on that. Hopefully, with the treatment I've just had, it works.

"It is something I'm having to manage at the moment. I don't think it will be ongoing forever. Whilst we know what it is, we are just trying to sort it out and try and make sure I can carry on playing as well."

The first Test between England and Pakistan, which takes place at Trent Bridge, starts on July 29. Essex have five Friends Provident t20 fixtures in the interim, as well as a home County Championship game against Yorkshire and a Clydesdale Bank 40 engagement against Northamptonshire.