Cook misses Lions match with back problem

Alastair Cook, the England Lions captain, has been ruled out of the match against India A at Grace Road with a back problem.

He first felt discomfort during the previous game against West Indies A, although it wasn't apparent as he made 71 off 81 balls in a five-wicket victory at Wantage Road. He will now undergo further assessment on the problem.

"Cook will be reassessed on Saturday when a decision will be made on his involvement during the remainder of the Triangular series," said an ECB statement.

Cook previously suffered back problems on England's tour of South Africa last year when he was pulled out of the one-day squad mid-way through the series. It was diagnosed as a bulging disc and at the time Cook said it was something he would need to manage, but recovered to take part in the Test matches.

Andrew Gale, who captained the Lions on their tour of UAE in February, will lead the side in Cook's absence