Cricket Test unaffected thus far

Cricket : England were this morning preparing as scheduled for the start of the third npower Test tomorrow, despite the public…

Cricket: England were this morning preparing as scheduled for the start of the third npower Test tomorrow, despite the public disorder in Birmingham.

Both England and India's players remained in their city-centre hotels last night once it became clear gangs of looters were making large parts of the surrounding areas no-go zones.

An England and Wales Cricket Board spokesman confirmed during practice at Edgbaston today that there is no reason at this stage to suspect yesterday's disturbances have put the match in jeopardy.

"Everything is as normal at this stage. We will continue on that basis unless we are told anything different," he said.

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Only England captain Andrew Strauss and vice-captain Alastair Cook ventured out last night, having been invited to a barbecue by Jonathan Trott - who is out of this match with a shoulder injury but lives nearby.

They returned safely. Their team-mates tweeted about the violence from their hotel, and James Anderson added this morning: "Awful scenes around the country. Saw it first hand in Birmingham last night.

"Great to see people coming together to help with the clean up."

He and his team-mates appeared at ease as they arrived for practice this morning.

Fast bowler Chris Tremlett was again notable for his absence, though, as he continues to be troubled by the back spasm which ruled him out of the last Test at Nottingham - where England went 2-0 up with two to play, and put themselves on the verge of usurping India at the top of the International Cricket Council Test rankings.

Warwickshire also issued a statement this morning, making it clear they expect the match - which has attracted near record ticket sales - to go ahead as planned.

It read: "Warwickshire County Cricket Club wishes to respond to the media enquiries it has received by confirming that the third npower Test match between England and India at Edgbaston will proceed as planned, and play will begin tomorrow at 11am as scheduled.

"If there are any changes to plans, a further announcement will be made."