England captain Joe Root has firmly rejected the suggestion that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in their current Test series, labeling that view as disrespectful to both sides. Speaking before the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, Root emphasized that the narrative oversimplifies a complex contest and fails to acknowledge the effort and skill present in both camps. The series stands at 2-0 in England's favour after comprehensive victories at Headingley and Lord's. Pakistan, however, have endured a turbulent week.
Following heavy defeats, the Pakistan Cricket Board made the unprecedented decision to send seven senior players home and summon seven replacements. In addition, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were dismissed. The interim coaching responsibilities have been taken over by Mike Hesson, who normally oversees Pakistan's limited‑overs teams, while former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke will supervise the side for the Edgbaston encounter.
Amid these disruptions the PCB also launched an inquiry into recent media reports concerning discipline and conduct within the squad. The upheaval has sparked speculation about the morale and competitiveness of the Pakistani team, prompting a question for Root: what does it feel like to face a side that appears to be "offering no fight"?
Root answered that such a characterization is unfair and disrespectful to both nations. "We have certainly found Pakistan a challenge," he said.
"To suggest they are not fighting is disrespectful to the players, to the staff, and to England as well. Cricket rarely works in black‑and‑white terms – one side cannot be wholly excellent while the other is wholly poor. Usually the reality sits somewhere in the middle." He went on to explain that England's own performances have been strong, noting the team's ability to read conditions quickly and adapt to the varying pitches at Headingley and Lord's. "If one team has been outstanding, the other cannot be described as simply poor," Root argued.
"Both sides have moments of brilliance and periods of struggle. Understanding that nuance is essential." Looking ahead, Root stressed that the upcoming match will be a "completely different proposition". He praised the depth of talent within the Pakistani dressing room and warned against underestimating the opposition.
"There are very capable players in that squad, and we have to be ready for anything they bring," he said. The conversation then shifted to England's own batting line‑up, particularly the future of opener Emilio Gay.
Gay has featured in five Tests this summer, registering two half‑centuries, but his average hovers around 23. Younger prospects Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox have been mentioned as possible alternatives at the top of the order. Root cautioned that these ideas remain speculative and that the focus must stay on the immediate Test.
He highlighted Gay's contributions in difficult conditions, saying, "Emilio has been brilliant given the circumstances we have faced. It would be unfair to judge him outside the context of this series, where low scores have been the norm.
He has delivered vital knocks when they mattered most." In other news, former England star Kevin Pietersen is set to re‑join the national set‑up 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. Pietersen will work alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, alongside a coaching team 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 was the youngest in the squad when Kevin was around, and I learned a great deal from him," Root said.
"During the 2012 India tour, I would shadow him in the nets, watch his preparation, ask for advice on playing spin, and he was always open and honest. 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 friction, Root replied that candour is essential at the elite level. "You want people who will give you honest opinions," he noted.
"If you bring Kevin in, you expect him to speak his mind and share his deep understanding of batting. He brings energy, knowledge, and a willingness to speak truth to power, which is exactly what we need." The third Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10 a.m.
(first ball at 11 a.m.) on Wednesday, 9 September. For viewers without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available through NOW or other Sky Sports deals. In summary, Root dismissed the notion that Pakistan are not fighting, calling it a disrespectful oversimplification.
He highlighted the competitive balance that exists in any Test series, praised the resilience of both teams, and underscored the importance of focusing on the task at hand. With a reshuffled Pakistani side, the return of Kevin Pietersen to the England camp, and ongoing debates about the opening partnership, the Edgbaston Test promises to be a compelling encounter that will test both nations' resolve and skill.