Cook is urged to take his chance to avoid Test axe

Cook has been woefully short of form since the start of the domestic summer, mustering just 100 runs in seven innings since handing back the captaincy to Strauss following a successful tour to Bangladesh as his stand-in.

Strauss knows from personal experience that places in the England team are not set in stone after he was dropped in 2007, though he remains fully supportive of the decision to retain Cook for the third npower Test against Pakistan, which starts today.

"We all have to deliver all the time," said the captain. "It seems there is always one batsman under the microscope and it's a good test of character to have to go through. No one's place in the side is guaranteed at any stage and you need to perform to keep your place.

"It's not nice to be dropped but if you're not performing you have to expect you'll get that call from the selectors.

"But I felt strongly that he should be in the side for this game. You just have to look at his record to know he's a quality player."

Graeme Swann returned to practice yesterday after missing the first training day due to a court appearance in Nottingham where he answered a drink driving charge.

Strauss is confident the off-spinner's preparations have not been undermined by the case but has reminded all players of their off-field responsibilities.

"With Graeme Swann's situation it's important to realise he hasn't been proved guilty of anything at this stage and we need to let that process take place," he said.