Pakistan under pressure as England dominate early in third Test

Pakistan is facing another difficult start against England in the third and final Test at Edgbaston, with the hosts firmly in control during the opening session.

England won the toss and decided to bowl first, looking to make the most of the early conditions in Birmingham. The decision has quickly paid off as Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals.

At the latest stage shown in the live score, Pakistan had reached 96/7 after 22.2 overs. Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 37 from 36 balls, while Razaullah was with him on 2.

The scorecard shows Pakistan have struggled to build a partnership. England’s bowlers have kept constant pressure on the new-look Pakistan batting order.

Pakistan suffer another early collapse

Pakistan began the innings hoping for a stronger batting performance after losing the first two Tests of the series.

However, the pressure returned quickly. Saim Ayub was dismissed for 0 after facing 10 balls, while Azan Awais scored 9 from 20 balls.

Abdullah Shafique managed only 3 from 16 deliveries, and Shan Masood was dismissed for 5 from seven balls. Captain Babar Azam also failed to make a major contribution, falling for 7 from 18 balls.

The wickets left Pakistan in serious trouble early in the innings and placed greater responsibility on Saud Shakeel to prevent another heavy collapse.

The experienced left-hander responded with attacking strokes and reached 37 from 36 balls, including six fours. His aggressive approach has given Pakistan some hope of pushing the total towards a more competitive figure.

Ghazi Ghori, making his Test debut, also scored four before he was dismissed.

England pace attack creates the pressure

England have used the conditions extremely well with the new ball.

Ollie Robinson was particularly effective, taking two wickets for eight runs from 7.3 overs in the latest score shown. His performance also brought a major personal milestone as he completed 100 Test wickets.

Josh Tongue has been even more damaging, claiming three wickets, while Jofra Archer has also taken two wickets.

The combination of movement, disciplined bowling and pressure around the bat has made scoring difficult for Pakistan.

England’s decision to bowl first was therefore looking increasingly effective, especially after the visitors lost several experienced batters before reaching three figures.

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Major changes in Pakistan’s team

Pakistan arrived at Edgbaston with a heavily reshuffled squad after their disappointing performances in the first two Tests.

Saim Ayub returned to the Test side, while wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori and pace bowlers Imran Randhawa and Razaullah were handed Test debuts. England, meanwhile, retained the same team.

Pakistan’s confirmed team included Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah.

England’s team featured Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.

The changes were made after Pakistan lost seven players from the touring group amid a major shake-up surrounding the team. The situation has added further pressure on the players now trying to compete against a settled England side.

England already lead the series 2-0

The third Test is especially important for Pakistan because England have already secured the series.

England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before completing another convincing victory at Lord’s by 194 runs.

The Lord’s defeat left Pakistan 2-0 down and needing a major turnaround at Edgbaston to avoid a series clean sweep.

Pakistan also have a difficult record at Edgbaston. They are still searching for their first Test victory at the venue and have struggled to produce consistent performances against England in recent years.

For England, the target is simple. Joe Root’s team wants to finish the series with a 3-0 victory and carry the momentum into the next phase of their international schedule.