Babar Azam falls again, Pakistan in danger of not surpassing Shubman Gill’s tally
Pakistan’s disastrous start to the third Test against England at Edgbaston has raised the prospect of extraordinary statistical embarrassment: Babar Azam’s side could finish their entire England tour with fewer runs than Shubman Gill scored individually during India’s series in the country earlier this summer.
After losing seven wickets in the opening hour on Wednesday, Pakistan’s series aggregate was once again under scrutiny as their batting woes continued in spectacular fashion.
PAK vs ENG 3rd Test Day 1: Update | Scorecard
Shubman Gill scored 754 runs in India’s five-Test series against Englandwhile Pakistan have scored 689 runs in their ongoing three-Test series so far. Their collapse in Birmingham raised the possibility that Pakistan could finish the series with fewer runs than Gill’s individual total.
CHAOS IN PAKISTAN CRICKET
The latest collapse came against a backdrop of absolute chaos in Pakistan cricket. The The Pakistan Cricket Board has made sweeping changes to set up the Test in the final days, removing seven players from the squad and sacking the coaching staff after the team’s defeats in the opening two Tests.
At the draw before the Edgbaston Test, Babar was asked how difficult it was to lead the side through such turbulent circumstances.
“It’s not difficult. Yes, we had a few changes after that, but I think it’s a good opportunity for the new guys, and yes, we’re trying to do our best in this match,” said Babar.
However, Pakistan’s performance in the opening hour suggested that little had changed.
Saim Ayub, one of the players brought into the side, lasted 10 balls before being dismissed for a duck. Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood followed soon after, with Pakistan’s top order again offering little resistance.
Babar, who was expected to anchor the innings, was himself dismissed in a bizarre manner.
Despite being Pakistan’s most accomplished batsman, Babar looked far from his fluent best. He misjudged the height of a delivery from Josh Tongue and was clean bowled, adding another chapter to Pakistan’s miserable start.
BREAKS FOR BABAR AZAM
Before the match, Babar insisted that the players block out “outside noise” and focus only on preparation.
“Look, outside noise is not under control. We are just trying to prepare for this match and just think and take care of ourselves as a group,” Babar said.
Pakistan made four changes for the final Test, including three debutants, in the hope that the reshuffle will re-energize them after their defeats in the first two matches.
Instead, familiar batting weaknesses returned almost immediately at Edgbaston.
The early collapse has now put Pakistan’s entire series under the microscope. If they fail to make a significant recovery for the rest of the Test, Babar’s side could face the remarkable prospect of being outclassed in the entire series by England according to Gill’s individual tally from the India tour.
For a Pakistan side already struggling with turmoil on and off the field, it would be another extraordinary low in a rapidly deteriorating campaign.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
09 Sep 2026 17:26 IST