Cook Slams England's 'Out of Control' Tactics After Razaullah Onslaught

Former England captain Alastair Cook has criticised the current side for a lack of tactical discipline on the third day of the final Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, where the hosts lost control of the match late in the session.

Pakistan's 21-year-old debutant Razaullah, batting at number nine, struck a stunning 81 off 63 balls including nine sixes, equalling the record for most sixes in an innings by a Test debutant. He put on a 121-run ninth-wicket stand with Muhammad Abbas, dragging the match into an unexpected fourth day and leaving England needing 130 runs for victory.

While England remain strong favourites to complete a 3-0 series sweep, the chaotic final session raised concerns about Joe Root's second stint as captain. Speaking on Test Match Special, Cook said the team had no clear plan and that coaching staff should have stepped in with stronger leadership.

BBC chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew called the tactics "appalling," singling out the decision to hand the second new ball to part-time spinner Dan Lawrence ahead of in-form seamer Ollie Robinson.

Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick admitted disappointment, saying the team had tried varying approaches — short balls, fuller lengths and spin — but failed to break the partnership. Former captain Michael Vaughan noted such tactical lapses are not unusual for England, adding that the bowling attack, while talented, is not yet the finished product.