Ashes 2015: Alastair Cook forced off for treatment after getting hit 'just on the inside of the right thigh'

Cook took the full force of a James Anderson ball in a rather painful area that left him writhing in agony

Alastair Cook writhes in agony as Joe Root sees the funny side (Getty images)

Alastair Cook was forced to leave the field after lunch on day two of the first Ashes Test in Cardiff after getting struck by the ball while fielding in the slips.

England’s skipper, who earlier had taken an excellent diving catch to remove the pugnacious David Warner, was hit in the most painful place possible – in the words of the great Richie Benaud, “just on the inside of the right thigh”.

Cook, who understandably was immediately in some distress, spent a good deal of time writhing around on the floor, much to the amusement of Joe Root, and although he was eventually able to continue, he left the field midway through the next over, presumably to go and find a bag of frozen peas.

The crowd at Sophia Gardens winced in unison as the replay was shown on the big screen, although more than a few joined Root in smirking at the misfortune of England’s captain.

Watch the painful blow in the video below...

With Cook off the field, the amused Root assumed captaincy of the team with 37-year-old Dean Cosker coming onto the pitch as 12th man for England.

The stoppage in play did not distract Australia however, with Chris Rogers bringing up his half century not long afterwards, an incredible seventh consecutive fifty for the left-hander.

Joe Root looks on as Alastair Cook receives treatment (Getty Images)

The tourists batted watchfully for the majority of the afternoon session, reaching 100 for the loss of just one wicket, Anderson having removed Warner for 17 in the 15th over.