Cook to remain in Pretoria

England opener Alastair Cook will remain in Pretoria while the rest of the ODI squad head to Cape Town.

Opener to receive treatment for bulging disc

England have confirmed that opening batsman Alastair Cook will receive treatment in Pretoria while the remainder of the one-day international squad fly to Cape Town 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 Test opener's recovery that he remains with the Performance Squad instead of travelling. Liam Plunkett, who is providing seam-bowling cover while Stuart Broad recovers from his shoulder problem, will stay with the squad - who move on to Cape Town on Monday following Sunday's second fixture of a five-match series. An England spokesman explained a decision will be made on when Cook rejoins the squad, depending on how the injury in his lower back reacts to treatment in the coming days. He is not at this stage thought to be doubtful for next month's first Test at Centurion.