LONDON, Sept 3: Fast bowler Glenn McGrath missed Australia’s warm-up match before the fifth and final Test against England because of a continuing right elbow problem.

McGrath was ruled out of the two-game against Essex at Chelmsford on Saturday.

Essex opener Alastair Cook celebrated being named England’s young cricketer of the year by smashing a double century.

The 20-year-old left-hander plundered a total of 214 from just 238 balls to ensure it was a painful day for Australians.

Cook set the tone for the day, delighting the 6,000 sell-out crowd with a flurry of boundaries, including three from Brett Lee’s second over.

Cook needed just 49 balls to bring up his half-century. He was unbeaten on 85 by lunch and brought up his century from only 107 deliveries.

By the time he was caught by Jason Gillespie off Michael Kasprowicz, Cook had helped himself to 33 boundaries and a six in the most memorable innings of his career to date.—Agencies