Injury concern for Alastair Cook

Alastair Cook works on his back on Tuesday

England’s cricket captain Alastair Cook has a back problem which could led to him missing England’s three-day tour match against Western Australia Chairman’s XI, which starts on Thursday.

According to The Guardian, Stuart Broad and Monty Panesar could also miss the game at Brisbane through a back injury and stomach illness respectively.

But English batsman Ian Bell reckons the concerns in the camp regarding Cook’s injury are not huge.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Bell said: “I’m sure he’ll be fine, obviously a long flight isn’t always easy. He’ll be right in the next week or so.”

Bell also spoke about the reception Broad expects down under, “I think we’re all going to get a little bit of stick over here. “I don’t think, as an Englishman, you’re going to get too much sympathy.

“I don’t think he’s too worried about any of that. We have to move forward. We all fully expect a real competitive series, and a great atmosphere at the grounds between both teams. Both sets of supporters will be excited. That’s what you play cricket for.”