England set for third Test go-ahead despite riots

England were continuing to prepare for the third Test against India here at Edgbaston starting as scheduled on Wedneday despite violent public disorder in the city on Monday.

Players from both sides mostly opted to remain in their hotels as rioters and looters took to the streets of England's 'second city' following three days of similar riots in London.

The disorder in the British capital led the Football Association to call off Wednesday's England's international football friendly against the Netherlands at Wembley Stadium in north London.

But a spokesman for the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) insisted, during practice at Edgbaston on Tuesday, the third Test was still going ahead as planned.

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

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

They returned safely. Their team-mates used social networking site Twitter to explain what they could see from their hotel, and fast bowler James Anderson added on Tuesday: "Awful scenes around the country. Saw it first hand in Birmingham last (Monday) night.

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

England lead the four-match series 2-0.

Victory for England at Edgbaston will both secure the series and see them replace India at the top of the ICC's Test Championship table.