England cricketers continue third Test preparations despite Birmingham unrest

Andrew Strauss’s squad are currently staying at a city centre hotel, close to the New Street area which has seen around 100 people arrested after rioters targeted shops such as Jessops and JD Sports.

Last night, only Strauss and vice-captain Alastair Cook ventured outside, with the remaining players choosing to remain indoors.

Indeed, some England players seemed worried by the worsening situation, with Kevin Pietersen claiming the team hotel had been locked and Yorkshire all-rounder Tim Bresnan tweeting that he had “just seen the rioters in Birmingham fleeing down the main street followed by a load of police.”

However, the team emerged this morning seemingly determined not to let their Edgbaston clash with India befall the same cancellation as the friendly international between England’s footballers and Holland.

While Wednesday night’s Wembley fixture has been called off amid concerns over security in London, Engand’s cricketers trained as planned in Edgbaston’s nets this morning.

“Everything is as normal at this stage. We will continue on that basis unless we are told anything different,” said a spokesperson from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

While concerns over safety have been downplayed, England will have to do without quick bowler Chris Tremlett as they seek to build upon their 2-0 lead in the four-Test series.

The Hampshire seamer has been ruled out after a recurrence of the back spasms which prevented him from playing in the last Test in Nottingham.

Castleford-born Bresnan is set to retain his place after Tremlett’s injury, following his impressive all-round performance at Trent Bridge.