Friday 28 June 2013 12:15, UK
Vice-captain Matt Prior has branded David Warner's altercation with Joe Root as "ridiculous" and has urged England not to let Australia's chaotic preparations distract them in the lead up to the first Ashes Test.
Prior will head into his third Ashes series as Cook's deputy and, should injury befall the skipper, could find himself leading England's charge. Given Cook's durability - he has not missed a Test for seven years - it is a long shot and Prior admits that was probably for the best. "I have thought about that (captaining) for about five seconds and brought myself into a cold sweat and decided not to think any more," he said. "In the one-dayers Cookie dived for a ball and held his shoulder. I was thinking 'get up, get up'. "Fingers crossed he'll be absolutely fine, but if not I'll have to step up and I am sure I will do a good job."