Thursday 16 July 2015 07:58, UK
England captain Alastair Cook has played down Moeen Ali's injury worries ahead of the second Investec Ashes Test against Australia, starting at Lord's on Thursday.
All-rounder Moeen did not take a full part in England's training session on Tuesday, sparking speculation he was a doubtful starter.
However, responding to questions about Moeen's fitness, Cook said at his press conference on Wednesday: "He's pretty good. We'll make the final call tomorrow. It was more precautionary.
"He felt his side a tiny bit in the last game but obviously with his previous history, the medical team are wrapping people up in cotton wool but he should be fine.
"Unless he gets a reaction overnight - he didn't feel it today - then I expect him to be in our team tomorrow."
Moeen played a key part in England's 169-run win in the first Test at Cardiff, hitting a brisk 77 in the first innings and picking up five wickets in the match.
But he felt some soreness in his side after the four-day win, raising concerns over a possible relapse of the injury that sidelined him earlier this year.
England handed Moeen a reduced training schedule on Tuesday but the Worcestershire off-spinner took a more active role in the eve-of-match net session.
Cook, who only scored 20 and 12 in the first Test but was praised for his on-pitch decisions, knows a good start on day one at Lord's could go a long way to securing the Ashes series.
Should Moeen get the go-ahead to play, England are almost certain to go in unchanged, with back-up spinner Adil Rashid and spare seamer Steven Finn again sitting out.
England have created an undeniable sense of optimism following their victory in Wales, an impressive result in itself but even more striking for the confident, attacking manner with which it was achieved.
Despite that, Cook is happy for Australia to retain the tag of favourites which came courtesy of a 5-0 whitewash down under in 2013/14.
"It's always nice to be underdogs isn't it?" said Cook. "Australia are still probably favourites, they've only got to retain I suppose.
"But series' are not played on paper or potential, it's what people deliver out there. The first game we played pretty well and the next challenge starts at Lord's."
The England skipper added a message of support to Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who will not play due to personal reasons.
"Our thoughts are with him," said Cook. "I don't know the details but obviously when you hear 'personal reasons' you just hope he and his family are well and the England side send him our best."
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