Alistair Cook admitted that he couldn't wait for the series to get underway, as he faced the media on Monday (12th October) ahead of England's three Test series with Pakistan.

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Alastair Cook admitted that he couldn't wait for the series to get underway, as he faced the media ahead of England's three Test series with Pakistan.

And who could blame him, England cricket has been riding a wave of enthusiasm since England's Ashes win in the summer.

However, the side will be without one of the protagonists of that series, fast bowler Steven Finn has a stress injury to his left foot.

Nevertheless, he remains hopeful of playing in the remainder of the series.

Cook is set to open the batting alongside Moeen Ali, and all eyes will be focused on the new partnership, with high hopes that Ali is right fit.

Spinner Adil Rashid will make his Test debut and James Anderson will return to the side.

Rashid has been in impressive form in England's warm-up games and is one of many options that the side have in order to shuffle the bowling line-up.

England lost their 2012 UAE series with Pakistan 3-0, but Cook insists crucial lessons about how to play in the conditions have been learnt.

The first test starts on Tuesday at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, followed by matches in Dubai and Sharjah.