Alastair Cook to play no part in Essex season finale

England captain Alastair Cook will play no part in Essex's remaining County Championship matches after the ECB gave the 29-year-old the rest of the summer off.

The opening batsman has come under severe criticism during a turbulent summer, during which he led England to a 3-1 Test series victory over India before a 3-1 reverse in the one-day format.

The loss in the limited overs game has seen many pundits call for his resignation, but Cook said last week that he will not step down from the role.

While most of the England squad are likely to play their county sides's remaining games, James Anderson and Steve Finn have been permitted to play in just one match for Lancashire and Middlesex respectively.

Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes and Ian Bell will be restricted to the Royal London One Day Cup final.