England captain Joe Root pushed back strongly against the suggestion that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in their ongoing Test series, calling such remarks "disrespectful" to both sides. Speaking before the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, Root addressed the narrative that the visitors were lacking any competitive spirit after England had already secured a 2-0 lead in the three‑match contest. The series has been dominated by England, who have won both the first Test at Headingley and the second at Lord's by comfortable margins. In response to those defeats, the Pakistan Cricket Board took the extraordinary step of sending seven players home and recalling an equal number of replacements.
The upheaval extended to the coaching staff as well: head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were removed, with Mike Hesson – who currently oversees Pakistan's white‑ball teams – and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke appointed to steer the side for the Edgbaston encounter. In addition, the PCB announced an investigation into recent media reports about discipline and conduct within the camp, further highlighting the turmoil surrounding the touring team. When asked what it feels like to face a side that some pundits claim is "offering no fight," Root said the notion was unfair and overly simplistic.
"It is disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team," Root asserted. "We have not allowed them to slip into games simply because we have been playing well and reading the conditions quickly. It is easy to label one side as excellent and the other as poor, but the reality is usually somewhere in between.
If one team is outstanding, the other cannot be described as poor in absolute terms. We need to recognise that nuance." Root continued, emphasizing that each side has talent and that the upcoming match presents a fresh challenge. "Regardless of what happened in the first two Tests, this week is a completely different proposition for us. There is a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and we must be ready for whatever they bring." The conversation then shifted to England's opening partnership, with particular focus on Emilio Gay.
Gay has featured in five Tests this summer and has recorded two half‑centuries, but his overall average hovers around 23. Young prospects Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox have also been mentioned as potential openers, though Root stressed that these are still hypothetical options and that the immediate priority is the Edgbaston Test.
"Emilio has been brilliant in the conditions we have had," Root said. "It would be unfair to discuss his place outside of this game.
He has played some vital knocks, and context matters a lot when you have low‑scoring games and a low‑scoring series. He has performed well in some of the toughest conditions we have faced." Beyond the immediate Test issues, there was news of former England star Kevin Pietersen returning to the England set‑up for the first time since 2014. Pietersen will act as a specialist mentor for the white‑ball teams as they prepare for next year’s Cricket World Cup in Africa.
He will join head coach Brendon McCullum’s staff for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka, working alongside Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor. Root, who is the last active 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 really enjoyed having him as a senior player. I used to shadow him in the nets, watch how he practiced, ask for advice, especially on handling spin. He was open, honest and very helpful.
If he can bring that same level of insight in a coaching capacity, it will be hugely beneficial for the group." When asked whether Pietersen's sometimes controversial reputation might cause any friction, Root was unequivocal: frankness is essential 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 candid insight?
He has a deep understanding of batting, immense energy, and I think he'll be great for the group. I’m looking forward to his involvement." 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, alternative streaming options are available through NOW and other platforms. In summary, Root dismissed the claim that Pakistan are not fighting, labeling it disrespectful and urging a more balanced view of both sides' performances. He highlighted England's readiness for a new challenge, praised Emilio Gay's contributions, and welcomed the return of Kevin Pietersen as a mentor, underscoring the importance of honest feedback and experience in preparing for the remainder of the series and future tournaments.