England are unlikely to risk Nottinghamshire spinner Graeme Swann in today’s Champions Trophy clash against South Africa, after missing two group matches through back and calf injuries. 

"We have not trained yet so we will see how he pulls up in training," said captain Alastair Cook.

"We will not be taking too many risks on him, just for the luxury we have with James Tredwell in our squad." 

Tredwell found wickets hard to come by in England’s last-gasp victory against New Zealand, but has been the go-to man for spin in Swann’s absence. 

"He has been doing a great job in the one-day game for us," Cook added. 

"We are very lucky, but have to be careful with Swann." 

England face South Africa at The Oval today, and their opponents have only registered one win so far in the tournament (over Pakistan), sandwiched between a loss to India and a tie with the West Indies.

"You do feel the pressure is more heightened, as it is another must-win game,” said Cook. 

"It is a really exciting place to play, playing on that edge. Hopefully, we can deliver under that pressure."

Looking ahead to The Ashes, John Inverarity, Australia selector, has confirmed that there is every chance that controversial batsman David Warner could be selected for the first Test at Trent Bridge on July 10.

When asked about Warner’s readiness for The Ashes, selector Inverarity likened his return to the start of the domestic County Championship season. 

"Certainly. In cricket seasons gone by there have been wet starts to the County Championships and Sheffield Shield with little preparation, and players still play beautifully and make a century.”

Another name to be considered for the squad is Fawad Ahmed, who sought refuge in Australia three years ago after claiming the Taliban were persecuting him in his native Pakistan.

"It is likely his passport will be through in time for him to be considered for the squad," said Inveriraty.

"He is a young man who felt he was being persecuted in Pakistan and sought refuge in Australia. He came and joined an ethnic community there, played some cricket at a southern district level, was noticed as a good leg spinner, then he went down to state practice and it has gone from there.”

England and Australia will return to Test Match action here at Trent Bridge on July 10, the first match in this summer’s series. All tickets for the match have sold out.