Joe Root has pushed back against the suggestion that Pakistan have shown "no fight" in their Test series against England, calling the comment "disrespectful" to both sides. Speaking before the third Test at Edgbaston, which begins on Wednesday, Root emphasized that the narrative oversimplifies a complex situation and fails to recognise the effort of both teams. England entered the match with a 2-0 lead in the three‑match series after comprehensive victories at Headingley and Lord's. The English side has been praised for its aggressive batting, sharp seam bowling and astute captaincy, but Root warned against complacency and against dismissing the opposition outright.
Pakistan’s recent turmoil has added a further layer of intrigue. After heavy defeats in the first two Tests, the Pakistan Cricket Board took the unprecedented step of sending seven players home and recalling an equal number of replacements.
The shake‑up also saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul replaced. Mike Hesson, who oversees Pakistan’s limited‑overs squads, and former Australian fast bowler Ashley Noffke were appointed to supervise the Edgbaston Test. In addition, the PCB launched an investigation into "media reports concerning discipline and conduct," signalling that the board is taking the recent unrest seriously. The combination of personnel changes, a mid‑series investigation and a reshaped playing XI has created an atmosphere of uncertainty for the Pakistani camp.
When asked whether it was fair to describe Pakistan as offering "no fight," Root responded that such a label is both inaccurate and disrespectful. He argued that the reality lies somewhere between a dominant England side and a struggling Pakistan side, and that both teams deserve credit for the qualities they have displayed. "Absolutely we have found Pakistan a challenge," Root said. "To call their performance disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team is misguided.
We have not allowed them to slip into games simply because we have played well; we have read the conditions, the pitches and the moments very quickly." Root continued, "It is easy to paint one side as excellent and the other as poor, but cricket rarely works that way. If one team is outstanding, the other cannot be labelled poor without nuance.
The truth sits in the middle, and we must respect that balance." He added that despite the two‑match deficit, the upcoming Test presents a "completely different proposition" for England. "There is a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and we have to be ready for whatever they bring," Root said, underscoring the need for vigilance even when a series appears to be in hand. One of the lingering questions after the first two Tests concerns the future of England opener Emilio Gay.
Gay has featured in five Tests this summer, recording two half‑centuries, but his average hovers around 23. With the return of Jacob Bethell and the emergence of Jordan Cox, speculation has grown about whether Gay will retain his opening berth. Root addressed the issue, stating that selection discussions are premature and that the focus must remain on the upcoming match.
He praised Gay’s contributions, noting that the batsman has performed admirably in challenging conditions and that his innings should be viewed in the context of a low‑scoring series. "Emilio has been brilliant in the conditions we have had and it would be unfair to discuss his place outside of this game," Root explained.
"He has played vital knocks, and context matters when scores are low. He has done well in the toughest possible conditions." The news cycle also turned to former England star Kevin Pietersen, who was announced as a specialist mentor for the white‑ball teams ahead of 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, who is the only current England player to have shared a dressing room with Pietersen, reflected on the potential impact of the former star’s return.
He described Pietersen as a senior player he once shadowed in the nets, especially during the 2004‑05 India tour, where he sought advice on handling spin. "I am probably the last player still active who played with him," Root said. "I really enjoyed his presence as a senior player.
I would watch him in the nets, ask for advice, and he was always open and honest about how to get the best out of my game against spin. If he can bring that level of insight in a coaching role, it will benefit the whole group." When asked whether Pietersen’s sometimes controversial reputation would be a distraction, Root argued that frankness is essential at the highest level.
"You want people to give their honest opinion," he said. "Why involve him if you didn’t want his candid insight? He has a deep understanding of batting and a huge amount of energy, so I think he will be great for the group and I look forward to his involvement." The third Test will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10 am (first ball at 11 am) on Wednesday, 9 September.
For viewers without a Sky subscription, streaming options are available via NOW or other Sky Sports deals. In summary, Root’s comments underscore a desire to move beyond simplistic narratives and to respect the competitive spirit of both nations.
While England enjoys a 2‑0 lead, the series is far from decided, and the upcoming Edgbaston encounter promises to test the resolve, skill, and adaptability of both sides. The added variables of squad changes, coaching reshuffles, and the mentorship of a high‑profile figure like Pietersen create a compelling backdrop for what could be a tightly contested finale to the England‑Pakistan Test series.