England on the verge of 3-0 series whitewash over Pakistan in Edgbaston Test
England need eight more wickets to complete a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan on day three of the third Test at Edgbaston, with Pakistan fighting for survival in their second innings.
The third Test between England and Pakistan at Edgbaston has reached a decisive stage, with England needing just eight more wickets to seal victory and complete a 3-0 series whitewash.
Day two: England build a commanding lead
According to the ICC, England strengthened their position on day two through a strong batting performance. Harry Brook, who began the day already on a half-century (52), was run out for 75 after good fielding from Shan Masood and Saim Ayub. Dan Lawrence (65) and Jamie Smith (69) added further contributions, while Ollie Robinson reached a fifty and Jofra Archer struck a quick 32, pushing England's lead beyond 300 runs. Lawrence said afterwards he was "gutted" not to convert his innings into a century, though he added that he would have taken 65 runs had it been offered at the start of the day. Pakistan's leading bowlers were Razaullah (4/148), Mohammad Imran (2/47) and Mohammad Ali (2/92).
Day three: Pakistan fight back but slip further behind
As reported in BBC's live coverage, Pakistan battled through the morning session of day three in their second innings under pressure from England's bowling attack. By the 25th over, Pakistan had reached 95 for two wickets, trailing by around 230 runs. Shan Masood reached his first fifty of the series, though he had earlier been dropped on 40 when a chance to backward point was put down by 20-year-old substitute fielder Theo Wylie. Azan Awais was singled out as one of the few positives for Pakistan in the series, batting with composure.
Among England's bowlers, Ollie Robinson stood out — according to statistics cited on BBC's Test Match Special, he has taken 28 wickets at an average of 7.8 over the summer while bowling more than 100 overs, a feat achieved by only three players in Test history within a single English season. By contrast, Gus Atkinson has managed just one wicket in the series so far, prompting commentators to note his lack of luck.
Should England complete the win, it would mark their third consecutive Test victory in the series, securing a full 3-0 sweep against Pakistan.
