England crush Pakistan to seize control of third Test
England bowled Pakistan out for just 133 on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston and already lead by 23 runs, putting them on course for a 3-0 series sweep.
England's pace attack dominated Pakistan once again on the first day of the deciding third Test at Edgbaston, continuing a pattern seen throughout the series.
Pakistan arrived at the match amid turmoil, having sent seven players home, called up seven replacements and changed their coach in the preceding week. On the field, the outcome mirrored the chaos off it: the tourists were bowled out for just 133, with only Saud Shakeel managing a substantial score of 43. None of the top five batters reached double figures, and the innings' best partnership came from last-wicket pair Muhammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali, who added 26 runs together.
England's bowlers shared the wickets impressively. Josh Tongue took 4-42 bowling with pace and precision, while Ollie Robinson claimed 3-15 and in doing so reached 100 Test wickets, becoming the first England bowler since Ian Botham to hit that mark with an average below 20. Jofra Archer picked up the remaining three wickets.
In reply, England lost three wickets cheaply, falling to 39-3 after captain Joe Root was given out lbw for the tenth time in his last 13 innings, this time to debutant fast bowler Razaullah. However, Emilio Gay and Harry Brook steadied the innings with contrasting half-centuries, adding 104 runs together to push England into the lead.
England closed the day on 156-4, a 23-run advantage, with many observers now expecting a comfortable win that could complete a 3-0 series sweep, potentially within two days.
