Pakistan’s supporters are left questioning how the same pitch that saw their team collapse for a meager 133 runs could suddenly appear so batting-friendly for England. The visitors struggled significantly at Edgbaston, losing all their wickets in just 33.5 overs. Despite making seven changes to the squad and appointing a new coach, Shan Masood’s side displayed familiar inconsistencies, failing to survive even two sessions of play on the opening day of the third Test.
In stark contrast, England maintained their composure on home soil. By the close of play, Joe Root’s side had reached 156 for 4, already securing a 23-run lead after batting for only 38 overs. The day saw 14 wickets fall in total, but England managed to stabilize their innings through a crucial 104-run partnership between Emilio Gay and Harry Brook. While Gay was dismissed after a solid 60, Brook remains at the crease on 52, accompanied by Dan Lawrence, who is unbeaten on 5.
The English innings did not start without trouble, as the team found themselves in early distress at 39 for 3 due to disciplined bowling from Pakistan. For the visitors, Razaullah claimed two wickets, while Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket each. However, the middle-order recovery proved decisive, putting the hosts in a commanding position to build a substantial lead on the second morning.
Pakistan’s batting woes were largely orchestrated by pace bowler Josh Tongue, who finished with impressive figures of 4 wickets. He was well-supported by Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer, who each claimed three wickets. Saud Shakeel provided the only real resistance for Pakistan; after the team had slumped to 26 for 4, he anchored the innings with a fighting 43 off 47 balls, standing as the lone batter to offer any significant challenge to the English bowling attack.
