England completed a comprehensive 3-0 series victory over Pakistan following an eight-wicket win in the third Test at Edgbaston. While the hosts ultimately cruised to the result, the match featured moments of tension that tested the squad’s depth and composure.
Jordan Cox (7) proved his versatility, stepping in behind the stumps following an injury to Jamie Smith. Beyond his five dismissals, his nerveless, unbeaten 59 helped steady the chase after a brief wobble, potentially giving selectors a new option for the wicketkeeping role. Jamie Smith (6) himself continued his consistent form with useful half-centuries in consecutive Tests, though a finger injury limited his involvement in the field.
Joe Root (7) guided England home with an unbeaten 62, though his captaincy faced scrutiny during Pakistan’s second innings. His recurring struggle with lbw dismissals—marking his 10th in 14 innings—remains a technical concern. Harry Brook (7) delivered his most mature Test performance of the year, showing immense discipline to anchor the innings before a run-out on 75. He finished the series as the leading run-scorer with 215 runs at an average of 53.75.
Dan Lawrence (7) impressed with a measured 65, suggesting he deserves a sustained run in the middle order, while Emilio Gay (6) showed promise with a gritty 60 in the first innings before falling for a duck. Conversely, it was a difficult series for Ben Duckett (2), who managed only 44 runs at an average of 8.8 across the three matches, leaving his position under significant pressure.
In the bowling department, Ollie Robinson (8) continued his mastery in English conditions, finishing the series with 21 wickets at a miserly average of 8.76. Jofra Archer (7) provided aggression and pace, notably dismissing Saud Shakeel with a brutal delivery, while Josh Tongue (7) remained a vital asset, claiming 4-42 in the first innings to finish with 19 wickets for the series. Gus Atkinson (6) initially struggled but found his rhythm after a change of ends, picking up three wickets.
For Pakistan, 21-year-old Razaullah Khan (9) emerged as a standout talent. Reminiscent of a young Waqar Younis, he claimed 4-148 in the first innings and dazzled with an 81-run knock featuring nine sixes. Captain Shan Masood (8) provided a defiant 95 in the second innings, while Babar Azam (6) offered a glimpse of his world-class quality with a classy 76, though his future as captain remains a subject of debate.
Saud Shakeel (6) concluded the series as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer with 204 runs at 34.00. Azan Awais (7) showed potential with a battling 59, but others struggled; Abdullah Shafique (1) was repeatedly undone by Robinson, and Saim Ayub (1) failed to make an impact after a late call-up. Debutant Ghazi Ghori (2) had a difficult outing, leaking 18 byes while struggling behind the stumps.
Among the bowlers, Muhammad Abbas (7) remained the tourists’ most reliable figure, shouldering a heavy workload at age 36. Mohammad Imran (6) provided necessary control to slow England’s scoring, while Mohammad Ali (5) showed flashes of promise but lacked the consistency required, hampered further by a costly no-ball issue. The report also notes that here’s how the players rated at Edgbaston. The report also notes that emilio Gay – 6 – A gritty Test-best of 60 in tricky batting conditions in the first innings looked to have gone some way towards securing his place on the plane for a winter tour of South Africa, only for a duck next time round to bring back some uncertainty. The report also notes that ben Duckett – 2 – A miserable end to the summer for the opener who will now come under some scrutiny. The report also notes that made 11 and zero in this match and finishes this three-Test series well down the averages with a disappointing 44 runs at 8.8. The report also notes that a particularly impressive effort with the gloves – taking five dismissals – after being called upon to keep following Jamie Smith’s injury may have given the selectors food for thought in the role. The report also notes that harry Brook – 7 – Batted with real discipline and focus at a time when Pakistan had a foothold in the game on day one. The report also notes that ran himself out on 75 when a century beckoned but forgivable given the application he showed earlier.
