England’s bowlers absolutely dismantled Pakistan yet again, cruising towards a dominant 3-0 clean sweep in the third Test at Edgbaston. They ripped through the tourists for a paltry 133 runs, and by the end of day one, England already had a 23-run lead, sitting pretty at 156-4.
The Pakistan Batting Lineup Is A Total Mess
You gotta be kidding me with Pakistan’s batting. After a week of total chaos in their camp, with seven players sent home, seven new guys called up, and a whole new coach, it was the same old story. Despite what seemed like a good, dry pitch, England captain Joe Root chose to field first under a moody morning sky, and his new-look pace attack just went OFF. Pakistan failed to even hit 200 for the *fifth straight innings*, and get this: none of their top five batters even managed double figures! Saud Shakeel scratched out 43, which was really the only glimpse of resistance. The last-wicket pair, Muhammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali, somehow cobbled together the best partnership of the innings with 26 runs in 46 balls, which honestly just highlights how dire the top order was. Josh Tongue was bowling absolute fire for his 4-42, while Ollie Robinson hit his 100th Test wicket milestone with a ridiculous 3-15. Jofra Archer claimed the remaining three scalps. In truth, it was a disappointing and dispiriting spectacle.
Razaullah Shakes England Up Before Gay And Brook Take Over
Okay, so Pakistan’s bowlers actually showed a bit of fight, not least with their rapid debutant Razaullah. He delivered a brutal first over in Test cricket, getting Root lbw for the tenth time in 13 innings! That left England reeling at 39-3, with Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox both playing some loose shots. Cox really needed to nail down his spot, so that early exit could be costly for him. But Emilio Gay and Harry Brook, man, they saved the day and restored order. They steadied the ship, each hitting half-centuries in a crucial 104-run partnership that pushed England squarely into the lead. Gay’s gritty 60 was impressive, even if he dragged one on off Razaullah later. He’s been batting in the hardest position at a time when all batters have struggled for runs. This knock, especially with Cox wasting his chance, did his cause no harm, without being a slam-dunk for long-term retention. He was patient and watchful, coming through frantic running with Brook. The atmosphere started flat, with the ground not even half-full despite 15,000 tickets sold, but Gay and Brook gave the crowd something to cheer about.
Honestly, it feels like England is just cruising to a win, probably even before the weekend hits. It could even be over inside two days, if things keep going like this. The disparity between these two sides in these conditions is just massive, and you have to wonder what Root’s developing England team can even take from a series this one-sided. But hey, a 3-0 sweep is a 3-0 sweep, right? England’s next task is to wrap this up and seal the deal.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
Leave a Reply