In the opening day of the third Rothesay Test at Edgbaston, England established a 23-run lead over Pakistan, finishing the day at 156 for 4 after dismissing the visitors for just 133 runs. This performance, reported by BBC Sport, puts England on track for a potential 3-0 series clean sweep.
England’s bowlers delivered a commanding display, with Josh Tongue taking 4 wickets for 42 runs, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer contributed with 3 wickets each. Pakistan’s batting woes continued, as they failed to reach 200 runs for the fifth consecutive innings, with only Saud Shakeel managing to score 43 runs. The top order struggled significantly, with none of the first five batsmen reaching double figures.
The day was marked by turmoil in the Pakistan camp, which saw seven players sent home and replaced by new faces, alongside a coaching change. Despite these adjustments, the team’s performance mirrored the struggles seen in the first two Tests of the series.
England captain Joe Root opted to field first, influenced by overcast conditions that suggested a bowler-friendly pitch. The decision paid off as the pace attack dismantled the Pakistani batting lineup. The last-wicket partnership of Muhammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali, which added 26 runs, was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing innings for Pakistan.
England’s response began shakily, losing three wickets for just 39 runs, including Root, who fell to debutant Razaullah. However, a stabilising partnership between Emilio Gay and Harry Brook, who both scored half-centuries, helped England regain control. Gay’s innings of 60 was particularly notable, although questions remain about his long-term position in a competitive batting lineup.
As the match progresses, England will look to build on their lead and secure a decisive victory, while Pakistan will aim to regroup and improve their batting performance in the coming days.
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