Joe Root has pushed back against the suggestion that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in their Test series against England, calling such a view "disrespectful" to both sides. Speaking before the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, Root addressed the narrative that the visitors are simply outclassed.
England lead the three‑match series 2‑0 after comprehensive victories at Headingley and Lord's, but Root warned that dismissing Pakistan’s effort as a lack of spirit undermines the competitive nature of the contest. The backdrop to Root’s comments is the turmoil within the Pakistan camp.
After heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board made the unprecedented decision to send seven players home and bring in seven replacements. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were also removed. The white‑ball coach, Mike Hesson, and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke have been tasked with overseeing the side for the Edgbaston encounter. In addition, the PCB has launched an inquiry into media reports about discipline and conduct, signalling that the board is taking the recent upheaval seriously.
When asked what it feels like to face a side that some observers claim is offering "no fight," Root said the notion is unfair and overly simplistic. "It’s disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team," he explained. He added that England’s strong performances have not been the sole factor; the English players have also read the conditions and the pitches very well, which has contributed to their success. "It’s easy to label one side as excellent and the other as poor, but the truth usually lies somewhere in the middle," Root noted.
He emphasized that a dominant performance by one team does not automatically mean the opponent is performing poorly. "If one team has been outstanding then the other team can’t have been poor and vice versa.
We need to recognise the nuance." Root also highlighted the talent present in the Pakistani dressing room, insisting that England must stay prepared for a potentially different challenge in the third Test. "There’s a very talented group of players in that dressing room and you’ve got to be ready for it, so we’ll make sure that we are," he said. This acknowledgment suggests that despite the recent setbacks, Pakistan still possess quality players capable of turning the series around if they find the right balance. One storyline that continues to generate debate is the future of England opener Emilio Gay.
Gay has featured in five Tests this summer, scoring two half‑centuries, but his overall average sits around 23. With the return of Jacob Bethell and the emergence of Jordan Cox as possible openers, questions remain about Gay’s long‑term role. Root stressed that any discussion about Gay’s place should be confined to the upcoming match and that his contributions must be viewed in context. "Emilio has been brilliant in the conditions we have had and it would be unfair to discuss anything outside of this game," Root said.
He praised Gay’s ability to produce valuable knocks in low‑scoring games, noting that his performances have been vital given the series’ modest run totals. The week also saw the announcement that former England star Kevin Pietersen will rejoin the national set‑up as a specialist mentor for the white‑ball teams, marking his first involvement since 2014.
Pietersen will work alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor as England prepares for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka. Root, the only current England player who shared a dressing‑room with Pietersen, reflected on the mentorship he received as a young cricketer.
"I am probably the last player to have played with him still going," he said. He recalled how he used to shadow Pietersen in the nets during the 2012 India tour, seeking advice on handling spin and learning from his senior’s honesty and openness. When asked whether Pietersen’s sometimes controversial reputation might cause friction, Root was unequivocal: honesty is essential at the highest level.
"You want people to give their honest opinion," he asserted. "Why would you involve him if you didn’t want him to tell you what he thinks and give his insight into the game?
He is very knowledgeable, especially about batting, and brings a huge amount of energy. I think he’ll be great for the group and I’m really looking forward to having him involved." The third Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10 am on Wednesday, with the first ball scheduled for 11 am. For viewers without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW or other Sky Sports deals.
Overall, Root’s remarks underscore a respect for the competitive spirit of Test cricket. While England have clearly been the stronger side so far, dismissing Pakistan’s efforts as a lack of fight ignores the complexities of international sport, the impact of recent squad changes, and the potential for a resurgence. As the series moves to Edgbaston, both teams will be keen to prove that the contest is far from decided, and that the middle ground—where skill, determination, and adaptation intersect—will ultimately determine the outcome of the series.