England seized firm control of the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Tuesday, leaving the visitors staring at the prospect of a series sweep.
Opting to field first under heavy morning skies, England’s pace attack dismantled the Pakistan batting order for just 133 runs in 33.5 overs. By stumps on the opening day of the five-day fixture, the hosts had reached 156 for four, establishing a 23-run lead with six wickets remaining.
The touring side arrived in Birmingham following a tumultuous week that featured a coaching change and a dramatic roster shake-up involving the departure of seven players and the arrival of seven replacements. Despite the alterations, the visitors produced another fragile batting display, failing to break the 200-run threshold for the fifth consecutive innings.
None of the top five batsmen managed to reach double figures on a dry surface that appeared suitable for batting. Saud Shakeel provided the only substantial resistance among the top order with 43 runs. The relative ineptitude of the early batsmen was highlighted by the final wicket partnership between Muhammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali, whose 26-run stand proved to be the highest of the innings.
Josh Tongue spearheaded the English bowling effort with four wickets for 42 runs. Ollie Robinson claimed three wickets for 15 runs, marking his milestone century of Test scalps, while Jofra Archer wrapped up the innings by taking the final three wickets.
Despite the dominant start, Pakistan’s bowlers managed to test the English top order. Debutant pace bowler Razaullah made an immediate impact, removing England captain Joe Root leg-before-wicket for 39 runs, leaving the hosts briefly troubled at 39 for three. Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox also fell cheaply after playing loose strokes.
Emilio Gay and Harry Brook responded by anchoring the innings with a crucial 104-run partnership. Gay contributed a patient and gritty 60 before dragging a delivery from Razaullah onto his stumps. Brook remained at the crease alongside his teammates as the evening sunshine settled over the ground, pushing England into a comfortable position.
The low turnout at Edgbaston reflected a flat atmosphere, compounded by ongoing construction around one side of the venue and unseasonably autumnal weather. With England holding a commanding lead and dominating all facets of play, the match appears on course to conclude well before the scheduled final day.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
