Pakistan are staring at another heavy defeat after England strengthened their dominance in the third Test at Edgbaston, leaving the visitors on the brink of a 3-0 series whitewash.
Already trailing 2-0 after comprehensive wins at Leeds and Lord’s, England stretched their first-innings advantage to 320 runs before Ollie Robinson struck twice in his opening over to reduce Pakistan to 52 for 2 at stumps on Thursday. Rain eventually brought an early end to the day, giving Pakistan some relief from what could have been an even more damaging finish.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings and now require another 268 runs merely to force England to bat again. Shan Masood was unbeaten on 21, while Azan Awais was 29 not out, but the visitors remain in a hugely difficult position with three days of the Test still remaining.
Robinson has been the standout bowler throughout the series. After taking five wickets in the opening Test at Leeds and four more in Pakistan’s second innings at Lord’s, the England pacer claimed three wickets in the first innings at Edgbaston before dismissing Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique in the second. He now has 21 wickets in the series at a remarkable average of 6.66.
ENGLAND PILE ON THE PRESSURE AFTER PAKISTAN’S LATEST COLLAPSE
England began the day at 156 for 4 and eventually posted 453, transforming their overnight 23-run lead into a commanding 320-run advantage. Harry Brook scored 75 from 97 deliveries before being run out while attempting an overly ambitious single. Dan Lawrence continued his impressive return to Test cricket with another 65, making it his third consecutive half-century in the series.
Jamie Smith also contributed a valuable 69 from 84 balls despite dealing with a finger injury. It was his highest Test score at Edgbaston since his 88 against India 14 months ago. He later handed the wicketkeeping responsibilities to Jordan Cox.
Robinson then added a rapid 50, highlighted by a massive six into the Hollies Stand, before Pakistan finally managed to wrap up England’s innings at 453.
Pakistan’s biggest positive came from debutant Razaullah. The 21-year-old fast bowler picked up four wickets, including the prized dismissal of Joe Root in England’s first innings, providing a rare bright spot during an otherwise disappointing campaign. His effort came despite him conceding 148 runs from 23 overs.
ROBINSON STRIKES AGAIN AS PAKISTAN’S HOPES FADE
Pakistan would have hoped for a strong beginning to their second innings, but Robinson quickly ended those hopes. He removed Saim Ayub with the very first delivery before dismissing Abdullah Shafique three balls later, leaving Pakistan at 0 for 2.
Ayub endured another difficult outing, being dismissed for a duck in both innings. Robinson’s devastating spell once again highlighted the difference between the two sides, with Pakistan’s batting lineup repeatedly struggling against England’s pace attack.
Pakistan have yet to cross the 200-run mark in an innings during the series. Their latest collapse came after they managed scores of only 171 and 110 in the first Test and 175 and 194 at Lord’s.
Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith recognised the threat posed by Robinson, calling him one of the most consistent bowlers in international cricket.
Having now suffered 15 defeats in their last 20 Tests, Pakistan’s struggles appear to extend far beyond this particular tour. Razaullah’s emergence offers some hope for the future, but the immediate situation remains grim. England are firmly in command, while Pakistan are now battling simply to prevent a deeply disappointing 3-0 series loss.
