England Takes Charge in Third Test Against Pakistan at Edgbaston
England Dominates Day One of the Final Test
Birmingham [UK], September 10: 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 156/4, leading by 23 runs.
With a 2-0 series lead after victories at Lord's, 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 order in just 33.5 overs.
Pakistan entered the match under a cloud of controversy, having released seven players, including head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, following their defeats in the first two Tests. They made four changes to their lineup, giving three players their Test debuts in hopes of salvaging the series. However, the new batting order faltered against England's aggressive seam bowling.
Ollie Robinson struck early by dismissing Saim Ayub (0) and achieving his 100th Test wicket, while Jofra Archer quickly followed by taking out Azan Awais (9). Robinson then sent Abdullah Shafique (3) back to the pavilion, leaving Pakistan in a precarious position at 26-3.
Archer continued the assault, removing Shan Masood (5) in the next over, pushing Pakistan to 29-4 within just 10 overs. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel managed a brief partnership of 22 runs before Tongue dismissed Azam in the 15th over, further crippling the visitors.
Tongue also took out Ghazi Ghori (4) and Mohammad Imran Randhawa (5), leaving Pakistan at 100/7 by the end of the first session.
Robinson wasted no time in the post-lunch session, claiming Razaullah (11) in his first over. Tongue then dismissed Pakistan's top scorer, Saud Shakeel (43), and Archer returned to clean up Mohammad Abbas, resulting in Pakistan being bowled out for 133.
Josh Tongue was the standout bowler for England, finishing with figures of 4/42, while Jofra Archer and Robinson took 3/25 and 3/15, respectively.
England's innings also faced an early challenge, as Pakistan's bowlers found movement with the new ball, reducing the hosts to 39/3. Ben Duckett scored 11, Jordan Cox managed just four, and Razaullah trapped Joe Root LBW for eight.
However, England regained momentum through Emilio Gay and Harry Brook. Gay anchored the innings with a solid 60, while Brook counter-attacked effectively, leading to a 104-run partnership before Razaullah dismissed Gay.
At the end of the day, England stood at 156/4 after 39 overs, holding a 23-run lead with six wickets remaining. Harry Brook was not out on 52, and Dan Lawrence remained at five.