England once again exposed a fragile Pakistan side on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston, wrapping up the visitors for 133 all out and then reaching 156 for four in their own reply, thereby establishing a 23‑run lead. The day was defined by a burst of late‑order resistance from England’s middle order and a debut performance that left a lasting impression on the Pakistani bowlers. After winning the toss in overcast conditions, England chose to field, a decision that quickly paid dividends.
Pakistan’s innings lasted just 33.5 overs – the shortest of the series – as the visitors crumbled under the relentless pressure from the English seam attack. The highlight for the hosts was the spell from newcomer fast‑bowler Razaullah, who claimed two wickets for 42 runs, including the prized dismissal of captain Joe Root, who fell lbw for eight – the tenth time Root has been trapped in that manner in his last thirteen Test innings.
The Pakistani top order never found a foothold. Saud Shakeel managed 43, the highest score, while Mohammad Abbas contributed 21 before being dismissed. England’s bowlers shared the spoils evenly: Josh Tongue claimed four wickets for 42 runs, taking out the likes of Babar Azam (7) and Imran (5).
Ollie Robinson was the most economical, snaring three for just 15 and celebrating his 100th Test wicket in the process. Jofra Archer also made his mark with three for 25, adding to the pressure that forced Pakistan into a premature end to their first innings.
When England’s openers stumbled to 39 for three, the innings looked in jeopardy. However, Emilio Gay (60) and Harry Brook (52 not out) steadied the ship with a partnership of 104 runs for the fourth wicket.
Their stand not only erased the early damage but also propelled England into a modest lead. The duo displayed a blend of patience and aggression, rotating the strike and punishing loose deliveries, which forced Pakistan to rethink its bowling plans. The day also saw several notable moments beyond the raw numbers.
Robinson’s early breakthrough came when he dismissed Saim Ayub for a golden duck in the third over, a harsh introduction for the debutant opener. Later, Robinson removed Abdullah Shafique (3) in the gully, while Archer’s sharp fielding produced two simple catches off Azan Awais (9) and Shan Masood (5), the latter falling to a mid‑wicket catch that left Pakistan reeling at 26 for four. Razaullah, the 21‑year‑old pace sensation, continued to turn heads.
After his early success, he produced a couple of heavy swings that produced edges, one of which was taken by Ben Duckett after a brief lapse in the slip cordon. Duckett, who had earlier dropped two catches, redeemed himself by taking the catch that dismissed Razaullah’s teammate, showing the fine margins that often decide a Test. The lower order for Pakistan showed a glimmer of resilience. After the top order collapsed, Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali (who was nursing an ankle injury) added 26 runs for the ninth wicket – the highest partnership of an otherwise dismal innings.
Ali, despite his injury, opened the bowling for England and managed to claim the early wicket of Duckett, edging a delivery to second slip in the fourth over. Josh Tongue, reflecting on the day’s events in a post‑match interview with Sky Sports Cricket, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance: "We won the toss, put Pakistan in to bat and bowled them out for just over 130. That puts us in a strong position, especially on a pitch that looked good for a couple of days.
The early wickets from Archer and Robinson gave us the platform to be aggressive, and the wobble I’ve been working on in the nets paid off – it got me a wicket. Overall, I think we’ve been consistent throughout the series and today was another proof of that." Former England captain Nasser Hussain, speaking for Sky Sports, praised the impact of Razaullah’s spell: "Pakistan have been searching for something different from their bowlers for a while. Razaullah brought pace and a point of difference that unsettled even the best, like Joe Root, who fell to his fourth delivery." Urooj Mumtaz, also with Sky Sports, highlighted the significance of the young pacer’s debut: "At 21, on his first overseas tour, he bowled at 89‑91 mph and maintained that speed throughout his spell.
It was an inspired selection – they needed that X‑factor. The system is working, not broken." The broader context of the series adds weight to England’s advantage. Pakistan suffered a 194‑run defeat at Lord’s in the second Test, which effectively handed the series to England with one match remaining.
In response, Pakistan made sweeping changes to their squad and coaching staff before the Edgbaston encounter, dropping seven players and introducing three debutants. The overhaul, however, did not translate into immediate success, as the new faces struggled to adapt to the conditions and the pressure of a high‑stakes series. Looking ahead, Pakistan must find a way to reverse the trend of failing to bat through a full day’s play – they have not managed to last 90 overs across both innings in either of the first two Tests.
Their ability to post competitive totals will be crucial if they hope to salvage the series. England, on the other hand, will aim to build on the platform set by Tongue’s early breakthroughs and the middle‑order partnership between Gay and Brook, hoping to extend their lead and clinch the series.
Day two of the third Test is scheduled to begin at 10:15 am on Thursday, live on Sky Sports Cricket. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore current Sky Sports offers or stream the match via NOW without a contract.