England retain same squad

England have retained out-of-form opener Alastair Cook in an unchanged team for the third cricket Test against Pakistan, which starts tomorrow, at The Oval in England.



Vice captain Cook has hit only 100 runs in the last seven Test innings, leading to doubts over his Ashes squad place.



Selector Geoff Miller backed Cook, saying he is a battler and he will battle his way through it.



The majority of England top order have shown good form, but left hander Cook's struggles have become increasingly pronounced.



Tim Bresnan has once again been chosen as bowling cover ahead of his fellow Yorkshire seamer Ajmal Shahzad.



Meanwhile, Pakistan must choose a replacement for seamer Umar Gul, who is likely to miss the rest of the series after tearing a hamstring during the nine-wicket second Test loss at Edgbaston.



Wicketkeeper/batsman Zulgarnan Haiden, who made 80 on his Test debut in Birmingham, is doubtful for The Oval with a finger injury.



England lead the 4-Test series 2-0.