England asserted their dominance over a struggling Pakistan side on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston, wrapping up the visitors’ first innings for just 133 runs and then reaching 156 for four wickets in their own reply, carving out a 23‑run advantage. The day was marked by a dramatic turnaround after England’s top order faltered early, leaving them 39 for three. Emilio Gay, who made 60, and Harry Brook, unbeaten on 52, steadied the ship with a vital partnership that not only rescued England from the brink but also gave them a modest lead. Pakistan’s innings was a brief affair, lasting only 33.5 overs – the shortest of the series – and highlighted the continued batting woes that have plagued the touring side.
Their most notable contribution came from Saud Shakeel, who managed 43 runs, while Mohammad Abbas added a gritty 21. The Pakistani attack was led by debutant fast bowler Razaullah, who impressed with figures of two wickets for 42 runs, including the prized scalp of England captain Joe Root, who fell for a low‑order lbw – his tenth dismissal in thirteen Test innings. Root’s decision at the toss to send the visitors in under overcast conditions backfired quickly as the Pakistani bowlers struck early and often. England’s bowling unit was relentless.
Josh Tongue claimed four wickets for 42 runs, dismantling the top of Pakistan’s order, while Ollie Robinson celebrated his 100th Test wicket, finishing with three for 15. Jofra Archer added three for 25, reinforcing the pressure from both ends. The Pakistani batting line‑up crumbled under the onslaught, losing wickets at regular intervals and never finding a rhythm.
Their final wicket partnership added a modest 26 runs, the highest stand in an otherwise dismal total. The English side’s response with the bat was initially shaky. After a promising start, they slipped to 39 for three, prompting concerns about their ability to post a competitive total.
However, Gay and Brook forged a 104‑run partnership for the fourth wicket, with Gay reaching a composed half‑century and Brook staying unbeaten beyond his fifty. Their stand not only steadied the innings but also ensured England crossed the 150‑run mark with wickets in hand, establishing a 23‑run cushion. Post‑match, England fast‑bowler Josh Tongue spoke to Sky Sports Cricket about the day’s events.
He expressed satisfaction with the early success, noting that winning the toss and forcing Pakistan to bat first proved advantageous. Tongue highlighted his confidence in the pitch, describing it as “decent‑looking,” yet praising his bowlers for extracting movement and exploiting the conditions to dismiss the opposition cheaply. He also mentioned his recent work on a wobble delivery in the nets, which he employed successfully during the match, earning him a wicket and reinforcing his belief that experimentation can pay off at the highest level.
Pakistan’s recent 194‑run defeat at Lord’s, which sealed the series in England’s favour with a match to spare, triggered a sweeping overhaul of their squad and coaching staff. Seven players were dropped entirely, four changes were made to the starting XI, and three newcomers made their Test debuts. Among them, opener Saim Ayub, the only player with prior Test experience, was dismissed for a ten‑ball duck by Robinson in the third over, underscoring the challenges faced by the revamped side. Robinson’s spell was particularly incisive, removing Abdullah Shafique for three runs and capitalising on a series of miscued catches by the English fielders.
The Pakistani middle order, represented by Azan Awais and Shan Masood, offered little resistance, falling cheaply to a combination of Archer’s pace and Tongue’s precise yorkers. Even the lower order showed more fight than the top order, with Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali adding valuable runs before the innings concluded. Commentary from Sky Sports analysts added perspective to the proceedings. Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Razaullah’s spell, noting the youngster’s pace and the “point of difference” he brought to Pakistan’s bowling attack, which ultimately led to the dismissal of a world‑class batsman in Joe Root.
Urooj Mumtaz highlighted the significance of Razaullah’s performance, emphasizing his age, his first overseas tour, and his ability to maintain speeds of 89‑91 mph throughout his spell, describing him as the “X‑factor” Pakistan needed. The day’s events set the stage for an intriguing second day at Edgbaston, with England holding a slender lead but still needing to consolidate their position.
Pakistan, reeling from a heavy defeat and a massive squad reshuffle, will be looking to regroup and find stability in their batting order. The series narrative continues to evolve, with both teams aware that momentum can shift rapidly in Test cricket. Fans can catch the live action for day two of the third Test on Sky Sports Cricket starting at 10:15 am on Thursday. For those without a Sky subscription, various streaming deals and NOW TV options are available, ensuring broad access to the unfolding drama at Edgbaston.