England survived an early scare to beat Pakistan by eight wickets at Edgbaston and complete a 3-0 Test series sweep after another dominant display.
England overcame an early wobble to beat Pakistan by eight wickets in the third Test at Edgbaston on Saturday, completing a 3-0 series sweep. The hosts chased 130 after Pakistan were bowled out for 133 in their second innings, with Joe Root and Jordan Cox guiding them home.
England were tested early in their chase when Mohammad Abbas removed Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay for ducks in the opening over. Joe Root also survived a nervous start, edging his first ball for four before settling into the innings. The England batter then reached his half-century from 57 balls, while Jordan Cox soon followed.
Root was given another reprieve when he chopped Mohammad Ali onto the stumps, but the delivery was called a no-ball. He later edged Abbas between first and second slip, with neither fielder able to reach the chance.
Root remained unbeaten on 62, while Cox finished on 59 not out as England reached 130 in the 25th over to complete the victory.
How did Razaullah perform?
England had appeared on course for a quick victory inside three days on Friday before Pakistan debutant Razaullah produced a remarkable counterattack with the bat. The number nine smashed nine sixes in a 63-ball 81 to give Pakistan a second-innings lead that briefly extended England’s wait.
Razaullah, 21, had earlier taken four wickets in England’s first innings. He then added 121 runs for the ninth wicket with fellow fast bowler Abbas, who scored 42, as England were forced to work harder for victory.
His attacking innings changed the mood around Pakistan’s performance, but came too late to prevent another defeat. Pakistan had already lost the first Test by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley and the second by 194 runs at Lord’s.
What changes did Pakistan make during the England series?
Pakistan made sweeping changes after their heavy defeat at Lord’s, sending seven players home and bringing in seven replacements, including Razaullah. The team also removed head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul as the tour descended into further uncertainty.
They made four changes to their playing XI for the third Test and showed greater resistance despite being dismissed for 133 in their first innings.
The 3-0 result gives England a boost after a difficult period that included a series defeat to New Zealand and the departures of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
England now face a Test series in South Africa in December and January before a home Ashes series next year.
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