England Takes Charge in Final Test Against Pakistan at Edgbaston

On the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston, England showcased their dominance over Pakistan, bowling them out for just 133 runs. Despite a shaky start to their innings, England recovered to finish the day at 156 for 4, leading by 23 runs. With standout performances from bowlers like Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson, the hosts look to secure a series victory. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the day's events.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 10, 2026, 01:21 IST

England Dominates Day One of the Third Test

On the first day of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, England established a strong position against Pakistan, who struggled both on and off the field. The visitors were bowled out for a mere 133 runs, while England ended the day at 156 for 4, leading by 23 runs.

Pakistan Struggles Under Pressure

With a 2-0 series lead, England's captain Joe Root chose to bowl first, a decision that quickly paid off. The English pace attack capitalized on the conditions, dismantling a restructured Pakistan batting lineup in just 33.5 overs.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) faced controversy prior to the match, having released seven players, including head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, after their losses in the first two Tests. In response, they made four changes to their lineup, giving three players their Test debuts in hopes of salvaging the series.

Despite the changes, Pakistan's batting struggled against England's aggressive seam bowlers.

Pace Attack Overwhelms Pakistan

Ollie Robinson struck first, dismissing Saim Ayub for a duck and marking his 100th Test wicket. Jofra Archer soon followed, taking out Azan Awais for 9. Robinson continued his assault by removing Abdullah Shafique for just 3, leaving Pakistan at 26 for 3.

Archer added to the woes by dismissing Shan Masood for 5, pushing Pakistan to 29 for 4 within the first 10 overs.

Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel managed a brief partnership of 22 runs before Tongue dismissed Azam in the 15th over, leaving Pakistan in dire straits. Tongue then took out Ghazi Ghori and Mohammad Imran Randhawa, ending the first session with Pakistan at 100 for 7. Robinson quickly claimed Razaullah for 11 after lunch, and Tongue dismissed Shakeel, who was the top scorer with 43, as Pakistan crumbled to 133.

Josh Tongue was the standout bowler for England, finishing with figures of 4 for 42, while Archer and Robinson took 3 wickets each.

England Establishes First-Innings Lead

England's innings began with a shaky start as Pakistan's bowlers found movement with the new ball, reducing the hosts to 39 for 3. Ben Duckett scored 11, Jordan Cox managed only 4, and Razaullah trapped Joe Root LBW for 8.

Gay and Brook Steady the Ship

However, Emilio Gay and Harry Brook turned the tide for England. Gay scored a solid 60, providing stability, while Brook counter-attacked effectively, putting pressure back on the Pakistani bowlers. The duo formed a 104-run partnership before Razaullah dismissed Gay.

By the end of the day, England had reached 156 for 4 after 39 overs, leading by 23 runs with six wickets still in hand. Harry Brook remained not out on 52, and Dan Lawrence was also unbeaten on 5.