Cook to stay put in Pretoria

Alastair Cook will remain with the England Performance Squad in Pretoria as he seeks to overcome a bulging disk in his back

England today announced Alastair Cook will remain in Pretoria while the remainder of the one-day squad fly to Cape Town tomorrow to continue their series against South Africa.

Cook is suffering with a bulging disc in his back, and the England management have decided it is best for the opening batsman’s recovery that he remains with the England Performance Programme squad and is saved the rigours of travel.

Liam Plunkett, seam-bowling cover while Stuart Broad recovers from his shoulder problem, will stay with the squad - who move on to Cape Town following today’s second fixture of a five-match series.

An England spokesman explained a decision will be made when Cook rejoins the full England squad, depending on how the injury in his lower back reacts to treatment in the coming days.