Pakistan showed signs of resilience on the third day of the final Test at Edgbaston, reaching 184-3 by lunch as they attempted to stave off a 3-0 series whitewash. Despite trailing England by 136 runs, the visitors displayed a level of grit that had been missing throughout a largely one-sided series. The team entered the match following significant upheaval, including the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul, alongside the release of seven players and four changes to the starting lineup.
The partnership between Shan Masood and Azan Awais proved vital, as the pair combined for 125 runs for the third wicket under overcast Birmingham skies. Awais eventually fell for 59 after a review overturned an initial not-out decision; he feathered a catch to stand-in wicketkeeper Jordan Cox off Dan Lawrence’s bowling. Following the dismissal, captain Babar Azam joined Masood at the crease, contributing a fluent 26 not out by the break, while Masood remained unbeaten on 83.
Pakistan’s current survival follows a precarious position on Thursday, when they lost two wickets without scoring a run before rain and determined batting provided a reprieve. England had previously dominated the series, winning the opening match by an innings and 103 runs and the second by 194 runs. After bowling Pakistan out for just 133 in the first innings at Edgbaston, England posted a commanding 453, setting the stage for what appears to be an inevitable victory for Joe Root’s side.
The tourists have struggled throughout their tour, which is currently on track to result in their 16th defeat in 21 Test matches. While the current resistance offers a brief respite, the team continues to face immense pressure as they attempt to salvage some pride in the final stages of the contest. The report also notes that the umpire initially gave the batsman not out but that decision was overturned after a review and Awais departed for 59.
