Pakistan Batting Collapse Sparks Major Concern in Third Test Against England

Pakistan Batting Collapse Sparks Major Concern in Third Test Against England

Pakistan batting collapse continued at Edgbaston on Wednesday as the visitors were dismissed for just 133 in their first innings against England in the third and final Test of the series. England had won the toss and elected to field, immediately putting Pakistan under pressure in overcast Birmingham conditions.

Pakistan Batting Collapse Continues

Pakistan struggled to establish any meaningful partnership as wickets fell regularly throughout the innings. The top order failed once again, with Saim Ayub dismissed without scoring and Azan Awais contributing only nine runs.

Abdullah Shafique made three, while Shan Masood scored five. Captain Babar Azam also failed to make an impact, departing for seven after being bowled by Josh Tongue.

The repeated early losses left Pakistan under severe pressure and prevented the visitors from building a competitive first-innings total.

Saud Shakeel Offers Resistance

Amid another difficult batting display, Saud Shakeel provided the main resistance for Pakistan. He top-scored with 43 runs and remained the most effective batter during an innings in which England’s pace attack maintained sustained pressure.

Razaullah made 11, while Ghazi Ghori scored four and Mohammad Imran Randhawa contributed five. The lower order could not provide enough support to take Pakistan beyond 133.

The innings lasted only 33.5 overs, underlining the extent of England’s dominance with the ball.

England Pace Attack Dominates

Josh Tongue was England’s leading wicket-taker with four dismissals, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three wickets apiece.

Robinson and Archer made early breakthroughs before Tongue took control of the middle and lower order. Tongue also reached his 100th Test wicket during the innings, adding a personal milestone to England’s commanding bowling performance.

England’s disciplined attack exploited the conditions effectively, repeatedly beating Pakistan’s batters and preventing them from settling at the crease.

Three Players Make Test Debuts

Pakistan entered the final Test with a heavily reshaped squad following England’s victories in the opening two matches.

Wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori, pace bowler Razaullah and all-rounder Mohammad Imran Randhawa were handed their Test debuts. Saim Ayub also returned to the Test side after last playing in the format in 2025.

Ghori received his Test cap from Saud Shakeel, Razaullah was presented his cap by Mohammad Abbas, while captain Babar Azam handed Randhawa his debut cap.

England Seek Series Sweep

The latest collapse comes after England already secured the three-match series with victories in the opening two Tests.

England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord’s. The second-Test win gave England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.

Pakistan therefore entered the Edgbaston contest seeking to avoid a series sweep. However, another major batting collapse has left the visitors facing a difficult challenge in the final Test.

England’s strong start with the ball again highlights the gulf between the two sides during a challenging tour for Pakistan. The visitors will now rely on their bowling attack to restrict England’s response and keep themselves in contention in Birmingham.See More on Pulse Pakistan