England sweep Pakistan to complete the Test series 3-0

Brief Scores: England (453 and 130/2) beat Pakistan (133 and 449) by 8 wickets in the third and final Test.

England swept Pakistan to complete the Test series 3-0 as Joe Root led his side to an eight-wicket victory in the third Test at Edgbaston. Root finished unbeaten on 62 as England successfully chased down a modest target of 130, although they were given an early scare after losing both openers in the first over.

Ben Duckett was dismissed by Muhammad Abbas first ball of the innings while Emilio Gay followed later in the same over. What could have turned into a nervous chase was instead held by Root, whose experience proved decisive. The former England captain survived a major scare on the 23rd when he was bowled by Mohammad Ali, only for the delivery to be ruled a no-ball. It was Ali’s 17th no-ball of the series.

England vs. Pakistan 3rd Test Day 4: Best of Edgbaston

Pakistan had another opportunity to remove Root when they were on 38, but Abbas’ delivery took advantage and went between first and second slip, with both fielders keeping it to themselves. Root made Pakistan pay for missed chances. His unbeaten 62 marked the 110th time he has scored 50 or more in Test cricket, a tally that includes 41 centuries.

Jordan Cox provided excellent support and finished unbeaten on 59 as England reached their target in the 25th over to complete their first Test series win in 19 months. Pakistan, who conceded a huge first innings deficit of 320, deserve credit for putting up a considerable fight to take the match into the fourth day. But their late resistance could not mask the extent of England’s dominance throughout the series.

Had Pakistan shown the same level of fight in the opening two Tests, the contest could have been much more competitive. Instead, England’s early dominance made the series look increasingly one-sided before Pakistan finally showed some spark in Birmingham.

England will not complain. After a difficult period that included an Ashes defeat and a subsequent loss to New Zealand, the series offered a much-needed boost as they look to rebuild their Test side.

Root’s return to captaincy was also successful following the retirement of Ben Stokes from international cricket. He was again at the center of England’s response as Pakistan threatened to make the chase uncomfortable.

Pakistan’s most exciting moment came on Friday night when debutant Razaullah produced a thrilling 81 off just 63 balls to give Edgbaston a glimpse of what might have been possible had his side shown the same attacking intent earlier in the series.

Interim red-ball England coach Marcus Trescothick now hands the side over to Stephen Fleming ahead of the three-Test tour of South Africa in December and January.

The challenge will be significantly tougher in South Africa. However, England have reasons for optimism if they can keep their pace attack fit. Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson give them a formidable group of quicks.

Robinson led the charge throughout the series, finishing with 21 wickets as England’s seamen made the most of the useful conditions and surfaces.

The bat was less convincing. No England batter has managed a century across three Tests, although Root’s consistency once again stood out.

Jacob Bethell is expected to return for the winter tour after recovering from knee surgery, meaning England will have a selection decision to make between Emilie Gay, Dan Lawrence and Cox.

That battle remains open, but Cox strengthened his case in Birmingham. His unbeaten 59 was composed and secured while he also took over the wicket duties in the second innings after Jamie Smith suffered a finger injury.

For Pakistan, the series summed up a turbulent period. They have now lost 16 of the last 21 Tests, with the tour further marred by the decision to replace seven players in the squad after the second Test and the sacking of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul.

However, there was at least one positive to be taken from Birmingham.

The late game ‘Raz-ball’ showed that Pakistan still has the capacity to surprise and compete. They will need a lot more of that spirit when they face Sri Lanka in their next assignment in October.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

12 Sep 2026 18:40 IST