England complete 3-0 series sweep of Pakistan after nervy chase

England sealed a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan, winning the third Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets on the fourth day.

The hosts faced an unexpectedly stiff chase of 130 after being rattled the previous evening by aggressive batting from Pakistan debutant Razaullah. The tension only grew when England lost two wickets in the first over of their innings, slipping to 2-2 — Ben Duckett edged behind for a golden duck, while Emilio Gay was given out leg before wicket.

Captain Joe Root, who took charge again after Ben Stokes' retirement in June, could have been out for 23 but was reprieved when the bowler overstepped for a no-ball. He later edged a ball through the slips on 34 without being caught.

Jordan Cox again impressed with a composed innings of 59, strengthening his case for a place in the squad for December's first Test against South Africa. Cox and Root put on an unbroken partnership of 128, with Root finishing unbeaten on 62 as England secured victory shortly before lunch.

While England dominated for much of the series, Pakistan finally showed some resistance in the closing stages of the final Test, having been bowled out for just 133 in their first innings before responding with 449 in their second. The result gives England three consecutive Test wins, following a previous stretch of only two wins in ten matches.

Tougher tests lie ahead this winter with tours to South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia, where incoming head coach Stephen Fleming will need to address concerns over England's opening batters. The team now switches to white-ball cricket, beginning a series against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday under Brendon McCullum, with Kevin Pietersen part of the coaching staff.