Joe Root pushed back strongly against the suggestion that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in their current Test series against England, labeling such remarks as disrespectful to both sides. Speaking before the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, Root emphasized that the narrative oversimplifies a complex situation and fails to acknowledge the effort and talent present in the Pakistani camp. England entered the final match with a 2-0 lead in the three‑match series, having secured convincing victories at Headingley and Lord's. The English side has been praised for its aggressive batting, disciplined bowling and sharp fielding, but Root warned against complacency.
He noted that dismissing Pakistan as a non‑entity does a disservice to the sport and to the players who are fighting hard under difficult circumstances. The Pakistani team has endured a turbulent week. After heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the board made the unprecedented decision to send seven senior players home and summon an equal number of replacements. In addition, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were relieved of their duties.
The interim coaching responsibilities have been taken over by Mike Hesson, who already oversees Pakistan's limited‑overs squads, and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke, who will manage the side for the Edgbaston encounter. The Pakistan Cricket Board also announced an internal inquiry into recent media reports about discipline and conduct, signaling that the board is taking the situation seriously. Despite the upheaval, Root insisted that the Pakistani dressing room still contains a wealth of talent and experience, and that England must prepare for a genuine contest rather than a walk‑over.
"Calling them 'no fight' is disrespectful to both Pakistan and England," Root said. "We have certainly found them a challenge, but it is unfair to suggest they are not trying. Cricket is rarely black and white; one team cannot be described as excellent while the other is simply poor. There is always a middle ground where both sides are pushing each other." Root went on to stress that the upcoming Test presents a fresh proposition.
"Regardless of what happened in the first two games, this week is a completely different scenario. There is a very talented group in that dressing room, and we have to be ready for anything they bring." The discussion also turned to England's opening partnership, particularly the future of Emilio Gay. Gay has featured in five Tests this summer, registering two half‑centuries, but his average hovers around 23. Young prospects Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox have been mentioned as possible alternatives, though Root described those options as speculative at this stage.
He insisted that the focus must remain on the immediate match and that Gay's contributions should be viewed in the context of low‑scoring games and a series dominated by bowlers. "Emilio has been brilliant in the conditions we've had," Root affirmed. "It would be unfair to judge him based on speculation beyond this match. He has played vital knocks, and context matters when scores are modest across a series." 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 teams ahead of next year’s Cricket World Cup in Africa.
Pietersen will work alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, and will be part of a coaching group that includes Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor. Root, who is the last current England player to have shared a dressing room with Pietersen, reflected on the value of that experience.
"I am probably the last player still active who played with him," he said. "I learned a lot from him as a senior player.
During the 2012 tour of India, I would shadow him in the nets, watch his practice routines, ask for advice on handling spin, and he was always open and honest. If he can bring that same level of insight to coaching, it will benefit the whole group." When asked whether Pietersen’s sometimes controversial reputation might cause friction, Root emphasized the importance of honesty at the highest level of sport.
"You want people to give their honest opinion," he remarked. "If you bring him in, you expect him to speak his mind and share his deep understanding of batting. He has tremendous energy and knowledge, and I’m looking forward to his contribution." The third Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10 am (first ball at 11 am) on Wednesday, 9 September. For viewers without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available via NOW.
The match promises to be a compelling climax to a series that has already produced drama both on and off the field, and both captains appear keen to let the cricket speak for itself rather than let headlines dictate the narrative.