England survived a dramatic fightback from Pakistan to win the third Test by eight wickets at Edgbaston and complete a 3-0 series sweep.
Chasing 130 for victory on the fourth day, England suffered a disastrous start when Ben Duckett edged Muhammad Abbas behind from the first ball before Emilio Gay was trapped lbw. The hosts were suddenly 2-2 and facing the possibility of an extraordinary collapse.
Joe Root then survived another major scare when he dragged a delivery from Mohammad Ali onto his stumps, only for the Pakistan bowler to be ruled to have overstepped. Root, who was on 23 at the time, was given a reprieve.
The England captain made the most of his second chance, remaining unbeaten on 62 as he guided his side to victory alongside Jordan Cox.
Cox produced another impressive performance, making 59 not out and sharing an unbeaten 128-run partnership with Root. Their composed batting ended Pakistan’s hopes of completing one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Test history.
The victory also completed a successful return to the England captaincy for Root, who resumed the role after Ben Stokes retired in June.
England had appeared to be cruising through the series before Pakistan finally showed significant resistance in Birmingham. Pakistan were dismissed for just 133 in their first innings and looked set for another heavy defeat after reaching 0-2 in their second innings.
However, a remarkable recovery led by debutant Razaullah transformed the match. Pakistan eventually posted 449, with Shan Masood making 95, Razaullah 81, Babar Azam 76 and Azan Awais 59.
Razaullah’s performance was particularly impressive after he had already made an impact with the ball earlier in the match. His aggressive batting against England’s attack gave Pakistan genuine hope of producing a stunning comeback.
England ultimately held their nerve, despite concerns over their tactics and batting during the final stages. The victory gives them three consecutive Test wins after a difficult period in which they had won only two of their previous 10 matches.
The series has also raised questions about England’s opening combination. Duckett has struggled against Pakistan, failing to reach 20 in five innings and averaging only 23 since the beginning of the Ashes.
Gay, meanwhile, has made three half-centuries during his first summer as a Test cricketer but has an average below 25. His position could come under pressure when Jacob Bethell returns from injury.
Cox’s unbeaten 59 has strengthened his case for retaining his place in the side.
England will now switch to white-ball cricket, beginning a series against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday. New head coach Stephen Fleming is also set to arrive as England prepare for challenging winter tours of South Africa, Bangladesh and Australia.
For Pakistan, the series was largely disappointing despite the late fightback. Changes to the coaching staff and squad during the tour added to the team’s difficulties, but Razaullah’s emergence provides a major positive from an otherwise difficult campaign.
