Pakistan made seven changes to its team after falling 2-0 behind in the Test series, but its longstanding batting problems remained unresolved. On the first day of the third Test, which began on Wednesday at Edgbaston in Birmingham, Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 runs.
England finished the day on 156 for four in reply, giving the hosts a 23-run first-innings lead over Pakistan. However, Pakistan’s bowlers claimed early wickets to keep hopes of a comeback alive.
After losing the second Test at Lord’s, Pakistan made major changes to their team, handing opportunities to several new faces while also bringing back some players. The changes, however, did not alter the team’s batting performance in the third Test.
Pakistan suffered an early setback when returning opener Saim Ayub was dismissed lbw without scoring. England’s fast bowlers then maintained sustained pressure and denied the Pakistan batters the opportunity to settle at the crease.
Saud Shakeel showed the most resistance for Pakistan. He scored 43 runs in an attempt to steady the innings, but Josh Tong ended his stay at the crease. Shakeel had also scored a fighting 97 in the previous Test.
Josh Tong was England’s most successful bowler, taking four wickets in Pakistan’s innings. Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three wickets each as England dismissed Pakistan for 133.
The match also marked a personal milestone for Robinson. His wicket against Pakistan took his tally to 100 wickets in Test cricket.
England used only four bowlers in the first innings, with the fast bowlers taking advantage of the conditions to dismiss Pakistan for 133.After Pakistan were bowled out for 133, England also faced early difficulties in their reply. Pakistan’s bowlers put pressure on the hosts in the opening overs.
Opening batter Ben Duckett again failed to make a substantial score. Mohammad Ali dismissed him, with Babar Azam taking the catch, to give Pakistan their first wicket. Mohammad Abbas then removed Jord’s Cox to leave England two wickets down.
England suffered their third major setback when Test debutant Razaullah dismissed experienced batter Joe Root for eight runs. England were reduced to 39 for three.
After the early loss of three wickets, Harry Brook and Emilio Gay steadied England’s innings. The pair scored with patience and put together a partnership of more than 100 runs.
Gay made 62 before Razaullah dismissed him, ending the partnership. By then, however, England had already moved past Pakistan’s first-innings total.
Brook completed his half-century and remained unbeaten on 52 at the close of play. Dan Lawrence was unbeaten on five, with England ending the first day on 156 for four.
