England took firm control of the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, bowling out the tourists for 133 and ending the first day on 156-4, a lead of 23 runs. The dominant performance put England on course for a 3-0 series clean sweep.
Following a week of significant disruption for Pakistan, which included seven players being sent home and seven new players being called up, the team's batting struggled as it had in the previous two Tests. Despite a pitch that appeared favorable for batting, England captain Joe Root opted to field first. The English pace attack, featuring a reshuffled lineup, delivered an outstanding performance. Pakistan has now failed to reach 200 in five consecutive innings.
Pakistan's Innings
No Pakistan top-order batsmen reached double figures. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 43, while the last-wicket partnership between Muhammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali, who added 26 runs, was the highest of the innings. Josh Tongue took 4-42 with his quick bowling, Ollie Robinson claimed his 100th Test wicket on his way to figures of 3-15, and Jofra Archer took the remaining three wickets.
Pakistan showed some resilience with the ball. Debutant spinner Razaullah dismissed Joe Root lbw, leaving England at 39-3. However, Emilio Gay and Harry Brook stabilized the innings. They combined for a 104-run partnership, with both batsmen scoring half-centuries, which propelled England into the lead. Gay was eventually out for 60 after being caught by Razaullah. Brook remained unbeaten on 52 at the close of play.