Cook hopeful of overcoming injury

Cook was hit by team-mate Mervyn Westfield during a nets session

England's Alastair Cook has declared himself fit for the first Test against West Indies after hitting an unbeaten 74 for Essex against the tourists.

Cook suffered a fractured left index finger three weeks ago and struggled at times during Saturday's first innings, although he went on to make 46.

But he fared much better in his second innings at Chelmsford on Sunday.

"It is still sore but it is definitely getting better. It was much better than yesterday," said Cook.

"Perhaps I hit more balls out of the middle of the bat because it was the balls I didn't hit right on Saturday that caused quite a bit of pain. Maybe it is just getting used to batting again."

Cook, who suffered the injury during a nets session, needed to test himself out this week with time running out before the start of the Lord's contest against the West Indians on 6 May.

The England opener has one County Championship contest between now and meeting up with his England colleagues next Sunday but is confident of being fit for the start of the international summer.