Pakistan’s batting collapsed once again at Edgbaston as England’s pace attack reduced the visitors to 100 for seven before they were eventually dismissed for 133.
Pakistan suffered another dramatic batting collapse against England in the third Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The visitors slipped to 100 for seven during their first innings before eventually being bowled out for 133, continuing a difficult Test series in which their batting has repeatedly failed to withstand England’s pace attack.
Pakistan entered the match needing a major response after losing the opening two Tests by heavy margins. The first defeat came by an innings and 103 runs, while England followed it with a 194-run victory at Lord’s. Those results gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead and put enormous pressure on Pakistan ahead of the final match.
The third Test began with England winning the toss and choosing to field under conditions that offered assistance to the seamers. Pakistan made several changes to their lineup following the dramatic squad overhaul, with four players coming into the XI and three players making their Test debuts.
Pakistan’s top order again struggled to establish itself. Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, while captain Babar Azam made only seven runs before being bowled by Josh Tongue. The early wickets left Pakistan under immediate pressure and once again exposed the fragility of their batting against England’s fast bowlers.
Josh Tongue was the leading destroyer, finishing with four wickets for 42 runs. Ollie Robinson claimed three wickets for 15, while Jofra Archer also took three for 25. England’s fast bowlers maintained relentless pressure and repeatedly found ways through Pakistan’s defensive techniques.
Although Pakistan briefly attempted to recover, wickets continued to fall in clusters. Saud Shakeel later admitted that the team had repeated the same mistakes that had hurt them earlier in the series. He said Pakistan were disappointed because the batting unit continued to lose wickets together despite making a strong effort to improve.
The collapse became another major talking point surrounding Pakistan cricket. The team had already undergone dramatic changes during the tour, with seven players sent home and changes made to the coaching staff after the second Test. Mike Hesson was brought in to oversee the Test side, while several inexperienced players were added to the squad.
Despite the disappointing first innings, Pakistan’s bowlers gave the team some hope later in the day. Debutant Razaullah impressed with genuine pace and removed England captain Joe Root and opener Emilio Gay. However, England still ended the opening day on 156 for four, holding a 23-run first-innings lead.
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