England and Pakistan rubbish ball-tampering allegations

Alastair Cook has slammed suggestions of ball tampering during England's Test series with Pakistan.

Reverse swing made an appearance early on the final day of the third Test at Edgbaston as England ripped through the Pakistan batting line-up to take a 2-1 lead with one game to play.

Some reports have alleged images of Joe Root vigorously shining the ball during Pakistan's second innings were evidence of tampering, but those claims only came from media outlets.

Both camps have rejected the claims and are keen to put the issue behind them and concentrate on the final Test at The Oval.

"It's a load of rubbish," Cook told a media conference.

"Someone showed me the clip on Twitter of Rooty shining the ball. It's just shining the ball, isn't it?

"Let's be honest. It's shining the shiny side of the ball on his trousers. It's an absolute load of rubbish as far as I'm concerned.

"It's so far-fetched that it's just nonsense. I don't think it will affect anyone, it certainly hasn't affected our changing room.

"It's a little sideshow and hopefully it stays there. Both sides should be commended for the way they've played so far."

And Cook's opposite number Misbah-ul-Haq was equally as dismissive of the allegations - which have already been denied by Pakistan's squad - with coach Mickey Arthur in no mood to entertain the claims.

"We just don't want to get into those things," he said. "The game is over and credit should be given to the England team for the way they bowled and got us out.

"That was a super spell. That happened, it's gone and we have to focus on the coming game.

"We should have played better."