Cook's back ready to play
England batsman wary of Pakistan threat
Batsman Alastair Cook believes he is over his back problem that threatened to keep him out of the four-match Test series against Pakistan later this month.
His back hampered him in England recent tri-series against A sides from India and West Indies.
But the former Bedford Schooler believes he has learned to cope with the problem and will be ready for the first Test against Pakistan on July 29 at Trent Bridge.
He said: "The back has been really good in the last couple of weeks, especially since the last lot of injections. I have not missed a game for Essex since then, so fingers crossed it will be all right. There is a possibility of surgery but in the last week or so it has been very good.
"We play it by ear but the most important thing is that I am out there playing. Hopefully it should get better. All I know is that batting and fielding at slip are the worst things you can do, that's why a lot of batsmen and bowlers have bad backs. It is not unusual but we have got a great medical team and they will look at all the alternatives to keep me out there playing.
"It has worked well so far because I have not missed a huge amount of cricket."
And he knows Pakistan will provide a tough test, adding: "They are a world class bowling unit with every angle covered.
"That is an exciting challenge for me. The last time we played them in 2006, we scored a lot of runs as a side, but it will be a tough series.
"We need to continue our winning momentum and take that to Australia and that is why these four Tests are crucial."
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Friday 25 May 2012
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