Alastair Cook to play for Essex in next two County Championship games

England Test captain Alastair Cook will be available for Essex's next two Specsavers County Championship matches.

Essex are 23 points clear at the top of Division Two and they will have the England opening batsman back in their ranks for the matches against Leicestershire and Worcestershire as they aim to seal promotion to the top flight.

Essex head coach Chris Silverwood said: "It is always a bonus to have a man of Cook's calibre coming back to play for the club.

"He not only brings runs to the side but he offers his experience and knowledge to the younger players and is a valuable asset.

"He loves coming back and playing and we love having him so hopefully he can help us achieve our aims as the season nears its conclusion