England captain Joe Root pushed back strongly against the narrative that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in their ongoing Test series, labeling such comments as disrespectful to both sides. Speaking before the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, Root emphasized that the situation is far more nuanced than a simple binary of one team excelling while the other collapses. The series currently stands at 2-0 in England's favour after two dominant performances at Headingley and Lord's. Pakistan, however, have been dealing with a wave of upheaval.
Following heavy defeats, the Pakistan Cricket Board made the unprecedented decision to send seven players home and bring in seven replacements. In addition, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were removed from their posts.
The responsibility for the white‑ball squads now rests with Mike Hesson, while former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke has been appointed to oversee the third Test at Edgbaston. The board has also launched an inquiry into media reports about discipline and conduct, underscoring the turmoil within the Pakistani camp. When asked how it feels to face a side that some pundits describe as offering "no fight," Root responded that such a characterization is unfair and disrespectful to both teams. He argued that cricket rarely presents such stark contrasts; instead, performance typically falls somewhere in the middle, with each side having moments of strength and weakness.
"Absolutely we have found Pakistan a challenge," Root said. "To suggest they are not fighting is disrespectful to them and to us. We have not allowed them to dominate simply because we have been playing well and adapting quickly to the conditions.
It is easy to label one side as excellent and the other as poor, but the reality is more balanced. If one team excels, the other cannot be described as simply poor, and vice‑versa. We need to recognise the middle ground." Root added that regardless of the first two matches, the upcoming game presents a fresh proposition. "There is a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and we must be ready for what they bring.
We will prepare accordingly and give our best," he affirmed. One lingering question for England is whether opening batsman Emilio Gay will retain his place. Gay has featured in five Tests this summer, scoring 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 hypothetical at this stage.
He stressed the importance of putting Gay's contributions into context, especially given the low‑scoring nature of the series. "Emilio has been brilliant in the conditions we have had, and it would be unfair to discuss his future outside this match," Root explained.
"He has played vital knocks, and context matters when scores are low. He has performed well in some of the toughest conditions we have faced." In other news, former England star Kevin Pietersen is set to return to the national setup for the first time since 2014, taking on a specialist mentor role with the white‑ball teams as they prepare for next year’s Cricket World Cup in Africa.
Pietersen 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, the last England player still active who played alongside Pietersen, reflected on the value of that experience. "I am probably the last player still playing who has shared a dressing room with him," he said.
"I learned a lot from him as a senior player. During the 2012 India tour, I would shadow him in the nets, watch his practice routines, ask for advice, especially 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 controversial reputation might be a distraction, Root was unequivocal: honesty is essential at the highest level.
"You want people to give their honest opinion," he noted. "If you didn’t want his candid insight, you wouldn’t involve him. He has a deep understanding of batting, a lot of energy, and his knowledge will be valuable for the team.
I’m looking forward to his involvement." The third Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the first ball scheduled for 11 am BST on September 9. Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore streaming options through NOW or check the latest Sky Sports deals. Overall, Root’s comments underline a respect for the competitive spirit of both nations, a rejection of simplistic narratives, and a focus on preparation and adaptability as England heads into the decisive match at Edgbaston.