England Demolish Pakistan in Third Test at Edgbaston

2:21 PM ETDeveloping

Sports Desk

In Short: England's pace attack dominated Pakistan in the third Test at Edgbaston, leaving the visitors reeling with a first-innings score of 133.

Pakistan's top five batters failed to score in double figures, a first for any team on their tour of England, according to Al Jazeera. The team, which included four new faces and three debutants, struggled to find their rhythm, with only Mohammad Abbas scoring in double figures with 21 runs. Despite the new faces, the team's fortunes did not improve, as all 10 wickets fell to England's pace bowlers.

England's Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson were the standout performers, taking 4-42 and 3-15 respectively, while Jofra Archer claimed 3-25. Robinson, who had been in exile from the England team for over two years, delivered a "masterclass" performance, taking his 100th Test wicket. The England captain, Joe Root, fielded first, despite the dry pitch seeming favorable for batting, and his new-look pace attack was outstanding.

The performance was a stark contrast to the previous two Tests, where Pakistan had sent seven players home and sacked their head coach and assistant. The team's morale was further dampened by the weather, with a moody morning sky affecting their batting. However, Pakistan showed some fight with the ball, with Razaullah inflicting another lbw on Root, leaving England 39-3. Despite this, England's batting was strong, with Brook arriving to battle his recent weakness with the wicketkeeper standing up.

The day's play ended with England in a commanding position, having already secured a 23-run advantage on 156-4. The third Test at Edgbaston continues on the second day, with England looking to extend their lead and potentially secure a 3-0 clean sweep.

What's still developing

England won the first Test by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley, Leeds, earlier in August.
Neither the new names nor the old guard were able to change the team’s fortunes, as England’s pacers tore through the top order to leave Pakistan reeling at 48-5 by the time captain Babar was dismissed in the 15th over.

Sources

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