As England's Test summer draws to a close amid talk of a crisis in the national side, Joe Root's men head into the final showdown with Pakistan. The dominant narrative now revolves around whether the pace unit should be rotated or kept intact for the Edgbaston encounter. Assuming no further off‑field controversies erupt before the third Test begins on Wednesday, the real drama is being generated by Pakistan, who have sacked their head coach and reshuffled seven members of the touring party after defeats at Headingley and Lord's. England, on the other hand, can focus on the strategic choice of managing its bowlers ahead of a packed white‑ball schedule.
Brydon Carse is still missing from England's 15‑man squad for the Edgbaston match after a brief arrest outside a Derby nightclub in August. Fellow quick Matthew Fisher has also been omitted, while the remaining fast‑bowlers were all involved in the Lord's Test. With the series already secured, England could afford to give some of its cross‑format pacemen a breather before the upcoming limited‑overs series against Sri Lanka.
If the third Test were to run the full five days, England would have only two days before the first of three T20 internationals, followed by a three‑match ODI series later in September. This tight timetable makes the decision to rest players even more consequential. One of the brightest outcomes of the summer has been the emergence of a refreshed pace attack comprising Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue.
Three of the quartet—Archer, Atkinson and Tongue—are also slated for the T20 and ODI squads that will face Sri Lanka, with only Robinson currently excluded from the white‑ball plans. Ahead of the announcement of England's final Test XI, Sky Sports weighed up whether any of the incumbents should sit out and which alternatives could step in.
Jofra Archer Archer has enjoyed a promising summer from a fitness perspective, delivering consistently high‑quality spells in four of the five Tests he has played. After a four‑year hiatus from the longest format, the 31‑year‑old's return has been a major boost for England.
Maintaining his physical condition should be a priority, especially with the home Ashes series looming next summer. Archer himself said on Monday, "My body is in a good place, the team is in a good place, and everyone is in a good place.
I just want to play cricket." While his confidence is reassuring, England must manage his workload to ensure he remains fresh for the crucial matches ahead. Gus Atkinson The Surrey paceman has also featured in four of the five Tests, missing only the second New Zealand Test after a nightclub incident that also involved former captain Ben Stokes.
Atkinson's figures against Pakistan have been modest—just one wicket out of the 38 that have fallen across the two games—yet his raw pace and ability to generate bounce make him a valuable asset. Given his involvement in the limited‑overs program, there is a strong case for giving him another spell in the Edgbaston Test to exploit Pakistan's relatively fragile top order before he returns to white‑ball duties. Josh Tongue Tongue is the only bowler who has featured in all five Tests this summer.
His steady performances, including strong outings against Australia and India, have cemented his place in the eyes of the incoming head coach Stephen Fleming. Consistently bowling at speeds around 90 mph is physically demanding, and, like Archer, Tongue would benefit from a brief rest before the white‑ball series begins.
Ollie Robinson Robinson has been the standout bowler of the series, claiming 16 wickets at an astonishing average of 7.18 and an economy of 2.05. Knee soreness curtailed his momentum after an impressive debut against New Zealand, and he missed the second Test before being left out of the final game. As a specialist who does not feature in the white‑ball squads, Robinson should be given the chance to lead the attack at Edgbaston and demonstrate his durability over a full series. Sonny Baker At just 23, Baker is one of the most exciting prospects in England's fast‑bowling pool.
He was drafted into the squad for the second Test at Lord's after Carse's off‑field issues and retained over Fisher, suggesting he impressed in the nets. His debut was tough—3 for 161 in a loss to New Zealand—but exposure to Test cricket at a young age could accelerate his development. Since he is also part of the white‑ball squads for Sri Lanka, England could rotate him between formats to maximise his growth while preserving his fitness. Sam Cook Cook, another relatively inexperienced paceman, has only one Test to his name—a solitary wicket against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in May 2025.
However, his recent County Championship form has been impressive, with 39 wickets in nine matches at an average just above 19. At 29, he has less runway for development than Baker, making him a candidate for a near‑term opportunity.
A second Test could help him prove his worth at the highest level. Shoaib Bashir England's lead spinner, Bashir, is still under 23 and has already experienced a roller‑coaster international career. Fast‑tracked into the side by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum in 2024, he missed the entire Australian tour but returned for two Tests against New Zealand, taking 3 for 147 at Trent Bridge.
While spin may be useful at Edgbaston, the upcoming series in South Africa and the home Ashes against Australia are likely to prioritize pace, suggesting that the selectors may focus on their fast‑bowling options. In summary, England faces a delicate balancing act.
Resting key bowlers like Archer and Tongue could preserve their longevity for the white‑ball series and the forthcoming Ashes, while giving younger talents such as Baker and Cook valuable Test exposure. At the same time, keeping in‑form performers like Robinson and Atkinson in the line‑up could maintain the momentum that has carried England to a series win. The final decision will shape not only the outcome of the Pakistan Test but also the preparation for the intense schedule that follows.