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 impossible when Ollie Robinson skittled the visitors early, leaving them at 0-2 on the second evening with a massive 320-run deficit. Yet the situation grew tense when England themselves lost two wickets in the very first over of the fourth morning, raising genuine doubts about the outcome.
Ben Duckett, who finished the series with a duck, was dismissed on the first ball he faced by Mohammad Abbas (figures 2-27), who then trapped Emilio Gay leg‑before‑wicket to complete a dramatic opening spell for Pakistan. The early drama was quickly quelled by England’s captain, Joe Root, who responded with a composed 62 not out, forging an unbeaten 128‑run partnership with the young Jordan Cox, who contributed 59 not out. Their steady stand guided England to the finish in just 24.2 overs, clinching the match by eight wickets. **First innings scores** - Pakistan: 133 all out in 33.5 overs (Saud Shakeel 43, Mohammad Abbas 21; Josh Tongue 4-42, Ollie Robinson 3-15, Jofra Archer 3-25) - England: 453 all out in 89 overs (Harry Brook 75, Jamie Smith 69, Dan Lawrence 65, Emilio Gay 60, Ollie Robinson 50; Razaullah 4-148) **Second innings scores** - Pakistan: 449 all out in 96.4 overs (Shan Masood 95, Razaullah 81 off 63 balls, Babar Azam 76, Azan Awais 59; Gus Atkinson 3-109) - England: 130/2 in 24.2 overs (Joe Root 62 not out, Jordan Cox 59 not out; Mohammad Abbas 2-27) Pakistan’s hopes of defending a sub‑130 total—a feat not achieved in England since the 1997 Ashes when Australia were set 124—were briefly revived when a no‑ball from Mohammad Ali struck the stumps as he bowled Root for 23, leaving England precariously at 35/2.
The reprieve, however, was short‑lived; Root and Cox steadied the ship and saw the chase home. Cox’s half‑century will likely bolster his case for retaining a place in the side ahead of England’s upcoming three‑match tour of South Africa, which begins on 17 December.
The squad may also see the return of Jacob Bethell, who missed the Pakistan series through injury. If Bethell re‑enters the lineup, selectors might contemplate reshuffling the top order—perhaps promoting Bethell or Cox ahead of Emilio Gay. Should Gay stay at number three, Cox could also be considered for the wicket‑keeping duties, replacing Jamie Smith, who missed the second innings due to a finger injury and has three months to recover. Historically, defending a total of 130 or less in a Test in England is exceedingly rare.
The last instance was when England set Australia 124 in the 1997 Oval Ashes, dismissing them for 104. Pakistan’s brief flirtation with that milestone added a layer of intrigue to an otherwise disappointing tour for them. Despite the series loss, Pakistan displayed moments of resilience, especially in the final Test where they pushed England into a fourth‑day chase.
Their most promising talent emerged in 21‑year‑old Razaullah, who made an immediate impact. He dismissed England’s all‑time leading run‑scorer Joe Root with just his fourth ball in Test cricket, later claiming four wickets in the first innings. With the bat, Razaullah exploded on the third evening, scoring 81 off 63 deliveries and striking the boundary nine times—matching Tim Southee’s record for a debutant’s six‑hit innings. When Pakistan’s eighth wicket fell in the second innings, they still trailed England by a mere two runs, suggesting a possible three‑day series sweep for England.
Razaullah’s aggressive cameo, however, pushed the total to a more respectable 449, giving England a target that, while modest, required a measured chase. In the broader context, England’s 3‑0 series victory underscores the successful transition of leadership to Joe Root following Ben Stokes’ retirement earlier in the summer. Root reflected on the series, noting the “uncertainty, noise and chaos” that surrounded the build‑up, and praised his side for being “clinical” and delivering a decisive win. He highlighted the importance of the late‑order partnership that secured the final match and expressed optimism about the team’s direction heading into the winter, where they will face new challenges on different surfaces.
Former England opener Mark Butcher of Sky Sports observed that the series forced England to “sweat at times,” a beneficial experience that will aid preparation for upcoming tours, particularly in South Africa where the ball may behave differently. He also mentioned a slight concern over the lack of centuries but overall praised the team’s performance. Urooj Mumtaz, also with Sky Sports, offered a sobering assessment of Pakistan cricket, pointing out a string of recent disappointments: a series loss to England, a draw in the West Indies, and a home defeat to Bangladesh. She highlighted that Pakistan have now lost 11 of their last 12 away Tests and 15 of their last 20 overall, indicating systemic issues that need addressing for a brighter future.
Fans can continue to follow England’s summer campaign, including the white‑ball series against Sri Lanka, on Sky Sports. Those without a Sky subscription can explore the latest Sky Sports deals or stream matches contract‑free via NOW.