Root Guides England to Series Clean Sweep Over Pakistan After Early Threat

England secured a comprehensive home series whitewash against Pakistan, overcoming a nervous start to chase down a modest target of 130 on the fourth day of the third Test at Edgbaston. The prospect of an English defeat seemed almost unimaginable after Ollie Robinson rattled the visitors to 0 for 2 on the second evening, leaving Pakistan still 320 runs behind.

Yet the situation grew tense when England themselves lost two wickets in the first over of the fourth morning, raising doubts about the final outcome. Ben Duckett, who finished the series without a run, was dismissed first ball by Mohammad Abbas, who claimed figures of 2‑27. The opening partnership was further destabilised when Emilio Gay fell lbw to Abbas, completing a dramatic early spell for the Pakistani bowler.

Any fear of a catastrophic English collapse was swiftly allayed by captain Joe Root, who, despite a brief period of uncertainty, compiled a composed 62 not out. Root’s innings was anchored by a steady 128‑run partnership with the young Jordan Cox, who contributed a stylish 59 not out. Their unbroken stand guided England to the target in just 24.2 overs, sealing an eight‑wicket victory.

**First innings scores** - Pakistan 133 all out in 33.5 overs. Notable contributions: Saud Shakeel 43, Mohammad Abbas 21. English bowlers: Josh Tongue 4‑42, Ollie Robinson 3‑15, Jofra Archer 3‑25.

- England 453 all out in 89 overs. Highlights: Harry Brook 75, Jamie Smith 69, Dan Lawrence 65, Emilio Gay 60, Ollie Robinson 50.

Pakistani bowler Razaullah claimed 4‑148. **Second innings scores** - Pakistan 449 all out in 96.4 overs. Top performers: Shan Masood 95, debutant Razaullah 81 off 63 balls, Babar Azam 76, Azan Awais 59.

England’s Gus Atkinson took 3‑109. - England 130‑2 in 24.2 overs (target) – Root 62* and Cox 59* guided the chase; Mohammad Abbas took 2‑27 for Pakistan. A pivotal moment came when Mohammad Ali over‑stepped while delivering a ball that struck Root for 23, resulting in a no‑ball.

At that point England were precariously 35‑2, and the umpire’s call could have shifted momentum back to Pakistan. Cox’s half‑century bolsters his case for a regular place in the England XI as the side prepares for the upcoming three‑match tour of South Africa starting 17 December.

The injury‑prone Jacob Bethell, who missed the Pakistan series, may return, prompting speculation about whether he or Cox could open the batting in place of Emilio Gay. Should Gay retain his opening slot, Cox might also be considered as a backup wicket‑keeper, given Jamie Smith’s finger injury that kept him out of the gloves in Pakistan’s second innings. Pakistan briefly entertained the notion of defending a total under 130 – a feat not achieved in England since the 1997 Ashes when England set Australia 124 and bowled them out for 104. The last successful defence of a sub‑130 score in a Test in England was New Zealand’s 93 against England in 1993 at Hamilton, though that was on foreign soil.

Nonetheless, Pakistan’s resistance on day four, extending the match and setting a target that caused England some anxiety, provided a small consolation in an otherwise disappointing series. A standout for Pakistan was 21‑year‑old debutant Razaullah, who made an immediate impact by dismissing England’s leading run‑scorer Joe Root early in the first innings with only his fourth ball in Test cricket, later securing a four‑wicket haul.

His aggressive batting on the third evening – 81 runs from 63 deliveries, striking nine fours and matching Tim Southee’s record for a debutant – will be remembered as a bright spot. When Pakistan’s eighth wicket fell in the second innings, they were still two runs behind England’s target, suggesting a potential upset before Razaullah’s fireworks pushed them ahead. Overall, England deserved the 3‑0 series result, marking a strong start to Joe Root’s tenure as Test captain following Ben Stokes’ retirement earlier in the summer. Root reflected on the series, noting the “uncertainty, noise and chaos” that surrounded the tour and praising his side’s clinical approach and the decisive partnership that secured the final win.

He highlighted the importance of contributions from across the squad and expressed optimism about the team’s direction heading into the winter, where different conditions and challenges await. Former England cricketer and Sky Sports commentator Mark Butcher observed that the series forced England to “sweat at times,” a beneficial experience that will aid preparation for varied conditions, especially in South Africa where the ball may not move laterally as much. He mentioned a slight concern over the lack of centuries but emphasized the overall positive aspects of the England side.

Urooj Mumtaz, also with Sky Sports, offered a sobering perspective on Pakistan cricket, pointing out systemic issues. She noted that Pakistan have lost 11 of their last 12 away Tests and 15 of their last 20 overall, underscoring the need for long‑term reforms to revive their fortunes.

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