England 'way off' being world's best - Cook

Alastair Cook believes England have a lot of improving to do before being classed as the top Test side in the world.

England are 2-1 up in their four-match series with Pakistan following their 141-run victory in the Third Test at Edgbaston.

They could replace Australia at the top of the Test rankings by clinching a 3-1 series win over Pakistan in the fourth Test at The Oval, although England's prospective place at the summit is dependent on results in the Caribbean between West Indies and India.

And although the accolade would be welcome by the England skipper, he says there is still a lot of work to be done if they are to establish themselves as the best.

"I genuinely say it [potentially being ranked number one] has come a bit early," he told a news conference.

"If it comes it's great achievement and one to be proud of, but there are still questions that need to be answered.

"We are not at 2012 levels where one to 11 and a few extras were strong, we are still a little bit a way off that."