England secured a comprehensive home series whitewash against Pakistan, overcoming a nervous start to chase down a modest target of 130 runs on the fourth day of the third Test at Edgbaston. The prospect of an English defeat seemed remote when Ollie Robinson skittled Pakistan to 0 for 2 on the second evening, leaving the visitors still 320 runs behind. Yet the tension rose when England themselves lost two quick wickets in the opening over of the fourth morning, sparking a brief flicker of doubt.
Ben Duckett, who finished the series without a run, was dismissed on the very first ball he faced, caught by Mohammad Abbas (2‑27). Emilio Gay followed shortly after, falling lbw to the same bowler, completing a dramatic opening burst for Pakistan. Any fear of a catastrophic loss evaporated quickly thanks to the composure of England’s captain, Joe Root, who crafted a polished half‑century.
Root (62 not out) partnered with the young Jordan Cox (59 not out) for an unbeaten 128‑run stand, guiding the hosts to victory in just 24.2 overs. **First innings figures** - Pakistan 133 all out in 33.5 overs: top scores from Saud Shakeel (43) and Mohammad Abbas (21). England bowlers Josh Tongue (4‑42), Ollie Robinson (3‑15) and Jofra Archer (3‑25) shared the wickets.
- England 453 all out in 89 overs: Harry Brook (75), Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65), Emilio Gay (60) and Ollie Robinson (50) contributed heavily. Pakistan’s Razaullah claimed four wickets for 148 runs. **Second innings figures** - Pakistan 449 all out in 96.4 overs: Shan Masood (95), Razaullah (81 off 63 balls), Babar Azam (76) and Azan Awais (59) provided the bulk of the runs. Gus Atkinson took three wickets for 109.
- England 130‑2 in 24.2 overs to win by eight wickets: Root (62 not out) and Cox (59 not out) saw the chase home, while Abbas again featured with figures of 2‑27. A pivotal moment came when Mohammad Ali over‑stepped while delivering a ball to Root, resulting in a no‑ball that allowed England to remain 35‑2 instead of being in deeper trouble. This missed opportunity highlighted the fine margins that could have altered the match’s complexion. Cox’s innings will bolster his case for a regular place in the England XI when the side embarks on its three‑match tour of South Africa beginning 17 December.
Injured all‑rounder Jacob Bethell is expected to return, prompting speculation about whether he or Cox might open the batting in place of Emilio Gay. Should Gay retain his opening slot, Cox could be slotted in as wicket‑keeper, a role currently filled by Jamie Smith, who missed the second innings due to a finger injury that will require a few months to heal fully. Pakistan briefly entertained the notion of defending a sub‑130 total—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 target under 130 in a Test in England dates back to 1993, when New Zealand were dismissed for 93 while chasing 127 at Hamilton. Despite an overall disappointing tour, Pakistan showed resilience in the final Test, extending the contest into the fourth day and posting a target that gave England a momentary pause. Their young fast bowler, 21‑year‑old Razaullah, announced himself as a promising talent.
He dismissed England’s all‑time leading run‑scorer Joe Root in the first innings with just his fourth delivery, later securing a four‑wicket haul. On the third evening, Razaullah unleashed a blistering 81 off 63 balls, striking the boundary nine times and equalling Tim Southee’s record for the most sixes by a debutant. England’s 3‑0 series victory is a fitting reward for Joe Root’s return to the Test captaincy after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket earlier in the summer.
Root reflected on the series, saying, “The amount of uncertainty, noise and chaos coming into the series was significant, but the way the group handled it—being so clinical—has been rewarding. A 3‑0 win feels great. The partnership at the end gave us the finish we needed and puts us in a good position heading into winter.” He added that the contributions from across the squad demonstrated depth and that the team will now face new challenges on different surfaces.
Former England opener Mark Butcher, commenting for Sky Sports Cricket, noted that the series forced England to work hard at times, which was beneficial for their development, especially with upcoming tours to South Africa where the ball may not move as much laterally. He expressed slight concern over the lack of centuries but praised the overall quality of the side. Urooj Mumtaz, also with Sky Sports Cricket, highlighted the broader issues facing Pakistan cricket. She pointed out that Pakistan have lost 11 of their last 12 away Tests and 15 of their last 20 overall, underscoring a worrying trend.
While Pakistan managed a solitary strong performance in this series, she emphasized that substantial, sustained improvements are required for a brighter future. Fans can continue to follow England’s summer campaign, including the upcoming 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.