England in early trouble

England's top order collapsed in comprehensive fashion as Pakistan ran riot in the first session of the third npower Test at The Oval.

Andrew Strauss won the toss and opted to bat first on a track that had been billed as a batsman-friendly one which would help the out-of-sorts Alastair Cook back into form.

But Cook was the first man to go, and debutant seamer Wahab Riaz struck three times to leaves the hosts 70 for five at lunch.

Cook edged his third ball for four wide of gully and survived an lbw appeal off Mohammad Asif's next delivery but he could not take advantage of his early fortune and seconds later feathered one to the recalled Kamran Akmal to leave England nine for one.

Strauss, eventually out for 15, was lucky not to follow Cook back to the pavilion for just two when he was rapped on the pad by Asif, who declined to refer a not out decision. Replays suggested the ball was destined for leg stump.

Strauss welcomed left-armer Riaz to Test cricket with two fours in his first over, the first an effortlessly timed straight drive but the captain then fed Akmal a second catch, Riaz clearly finding the edge although the tourists required a referral after another not out call.

Riaz struck again with the first ball of his fourth over, slanting one across Jonathan Trott who flashed to the diving Yasir Hameed at slip.

There was a brief pause as umpire Tony Hill checked whether it was a no ball, but after a quick replay Trott was on his way for 12 and England were listing at 40 for three.

Paul Collingwood, so often the man to dig England out of such situations, could not do so this time and departed for five after chopping Mohammad Aamer on to his stumps in ugly fashion.

Kevin Pietersen (six) and Eoin Morgan (17 not out) attempted to settle the innings but there was little fluidity and it was no great surprise when the former gave the returning Riaz a third success just before lunch.