England captain Joe Root pushed back strongly against the suggestion that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in their current Test series, calling such commentary "disrespectful" to both sides. Speaking on Sky Sports before the third Test at Edgbaston, Root emphasized that the narrative oversimplifies a complex contest and undermines the effort of both teams. The upcoming match, set for Wednesday, comes after England have secured a 2‑0 lead in the three‑match series. The hosts have dominated the first two games, winning comfortably at Headingley and Lord’s.
Pakistan, however, have endured a turbulent week. After heavy defeats, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made the unprecedented decision to send seven senior players home and recall seven others, effectively overhauling the squad mid‑series. In addition, head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were dismissed.
The PCB appointed Mike Hesson – who oversees Pakistan’s limited‑overs programmes – and former Australian paceman Ashley Noffke to supervise the Edgbaston Test. The board also launched an inquiry into recent media reports about discipline and conduct, adding further pressure on the touring side. In that context, when asked how it feels to face a side that some commentators label as "offering no fight," Root responded that the label is unfair and ignores the nuance of international cricket. "It is disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team," he said.
"It is too easy to paint one side as brilliant and the other as poor. In reality, performance usually sits somewhere in the middle." Root highlighted England’s own strengths, noting how quickly his players have read the conditions and adapted to the pitches. "We have found Pakistan a challenge," he added, underscoring that the English side respects the opposition despite the recent scorelines. He warned against binary judgments, insisting that a dominant performance by one team does not automatically render the other "poor".
"If one side has been outstanding, the other cannot have been poor and vice‑versa," he explained. "We need to occupy that middle ground and recognise that the reality is more complex." Looking ahead, Root said the third Test presents a fresh proposition. "There is a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and you have to be ready for it," he said, promising that England will be prepared for any resurgence from Pakistan. The series also raises questions about England’s opening partnership.
Emilio Gay, who has featured in five Tests this summer and recorded two half‑centuries, remains under scrutiny. His average hovers around 23, and younger prospects Jacob Bethell and Jordan Cox have been mentioned as potential replacements. Root stressed that any discussion about Gay’s future is premature until after the Edgbaston match.
He praised Gay’s contributions, especially in low‑scoring conditions, and stressed the importance of context when evaluating performances in a series where runs have been scarce. "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 vital knocks, and context matters when you have low‑scoring games and a low‑scoring series.
He has done really well in the hardest possible conditions." In other news, former England star Kevin Pietersen is set to re‑join the national set‑up as a specialist mentor for the white‑ball teams, marking his first involvement since 2014. Pietersen will work alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, Marcus Trescothick, Tim Southee, Jeetan Patel and Sarah Taylor as England prepares for the upcoming T20 and ODI series against Sri Lanka later this month, part of the build‑up to the 2027 Cricket World Cup in Africa. Root noted that he is the last active England player who shared a dressing‑room with Pietersen, and he reflected on the mentorship he received as a young cricketer. "I am probably the last player still playing who has played with him," Root said.
"I really enjoyed him as a senior player. On the first tour of India, I tried to shadow him in the nets, watch how he practiced, ask for advice, and he was very open and honest. He helped me get the best out of my game against spin.
If he can offer that kind of insight as a coach, it will benefit the whole group." When asked whether Pietersen’s sometimes‑controversial reputation might cause friction, Root was unapologetic. He argued that at the highest level, frankness is essential. "You want people to give their honest opinion," he said. "Why would you involve him if you didn’t want his insight?
He is very knowledgeable, especially about batting, and brings a huge amount of energy. I think he’ll be great for the group, and I’m looking forward to his involvement." Fans can watch the third Test live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with the first ball scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, 9 September.
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