Joe Root has firmly rejected the suggestion that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in the ongoing Test series against England, calling that description disrespectful to both sides. Speaking on Sky Sports ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston, where England lead the three‑match series 2‑0 after comprehensive victories at Headingley and Lord's, Root stressed that the narrative oversimplifies a complex situation.
The controversy stems from Pakistan's drastic mid‑series changes. After heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board sent seven players home and recalled an equal number of replacements. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were also dismissed.
The white‑ball coach Mike Hesson and former Australian paceman Ashley Noffke have been tasked with overseeing the team for the Edgbaston encounter. In addition, the PCB launched an inquiry into recent media reports about player discipline and conduct, adding further turbulence to the camp. When asked whether it felt odd to face a side that was allegedly "offering no fight," Root answered that such a label was unfair and disrespectful.
He argued that cricket rarely divides teams into extremes of excellence and poverty; instead, performance usually falls somewhere in the middle. "We have certainly found Pakistan a challenge," he said, "but to say they are not fighting is disrespectful to both their players and to us." Root explained that England’s own success has been built on reading the conditions quickly and executing plans efficiently, which does not diminish the opposition’s effort. "If one team is outstanding, the other cannot be poor – there is always nuance," he added.
He highlighted the talent present in the Pakistani dressing room and warned against underestimating them, insisting that England must stay prepared for a competitive match. The conversation then turned to England’s opening partnership. Emilio Gay, who has featured in five Tests this summer and recorded two half‑centuries, has been under scrutiny because his average hovers around 23.
With Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox being mentioned as possible alternatives, the future of Gay’s place at the top of the order remains uncertain. Root cautioned against premature judgments, noting that Gay has performed admirably in difficult conditions and that context matters, especially in a low‑scoring series.
"He has played some vital knocks," Root said, "and it would be unfair to discuss his role without considering the overall environment." In other news, former England star Kevin Pietersen is set to re‑join the national setup for the first time since 2014, taking on a specialist mentor role with the white‑ball squads as they prepare for next year’s Cricket World Cup in Africa. He will work alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, former England batsmen Marcus Trescothick and Tim Southee, spin specialist Jeetan Patel and former England women’s wicket‑keeper Sarah Taylor.
Root, the last current England player to have shared a dressing room with Pietersen, reflected on the value of that experience. He recalled how, during the 2007 India tour, he would shadow Pietersen in the nets, observe his practice routines, and seek advice on playing spin.
"He was open, honest and incredibly helpful," Root said, adding that Pietersen’s candid nature could be a significant asset for the squad. When questioned about Pietersen’s reputation as a controversial figure, Root emphasized the importance of honesty at the highest level of sport. "You want people to give their honest opinion," he explained. "Why involve him if you didn’t want his insight?
He has a deep understanding of batting and brings a lot of energy, which will benefit the group." Looking ahead to the third Test, both teams will be eager to reset the narrative. England will aim to maintain their dominance, while Pakistan hopes their revamped lineup can restore confidence and prove the critics wrong.
The match is scheduled to start at 11 am on Wednesday, September 9, with live coverage on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event. For viewers without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW. Overall, Root’s comments underline a respect for the opponent and a reminder that cricket outcomes are rarely black and white.
By acknowledging the talent in the Pakistani camp and defending his own side’s achievements without resorting to dismissive labels, Root sets a tone of professionalism and sportsmanship as the series reaches its climax.