Former England captain Michael Atherton has delivered a scathing assessment of Pakistan’s batting after the visitors suffered another collapse on the opening day of the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston, saying the side appeared “dispirited” and desperately short of confidence.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in 33.5 overs after England opted to field, continuing a miserable series in which their batting has repeatedly failed to withstand the hosts’ pace attack. Josh Tongue led England’s charge with figures of 4/42, while Ollie Robinson returned 3/15 and Jofra Archer claimed 3/25. England then recovered from early trouble in their reply to reach 156/4 at stumps, securing a 23-run first-innings lead.
Atherton questions confidence
Assessing Pakistan’s performance, Atherton described it as a thoroughly disappointing batting effort and said the line-up appeared woefully low on confidence. He also linked the mood within the team to the sweeping changes made after Pakistan’s defeats in the first two Tests.
Seven players were sent home during the series, while head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also replaced as the Pakistan Cricket Board responded to the team’s poor results and reports concerning discipline and conduct. Atherton argued that such upheaval was unlikely to help players regain confidence at a time when the side was already under enormous pressure.
Pakistan were reduced to 29/4 inside 10 overs, with Saim Ayub, Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood all departing cheaply. Captain Babar Azam managed only seven before Tongue bowled him, leaving the tourists at 51/5. Saud Shakeel provided the only substantial resistance among the specialist batters with 43, while Mohammad Abbas contributed 21 down the order.
Razaullah offers rare bright spot
Pakistan did show greater fight with the ball after their batting collapse. England slipped to 39/3 before Emilio Gay and Harry Brook restored the hosts’ advantage with a 104-run fourth-wicket partnership. Gay made 60, while Brook finished the day unbeaten on 52.
Debutant fast bowler Razaullah emerged as Pakistan’s biggest positive, dismissing England captain Joe Root for eight to claim his maiden Test wicket before removing Gay. The 21-year-old finished the day with 2/42 and impressed with his pace in an otherwise difficult outing for the visitors.
England entered the final Test with an unassailable 2-0 series lead after comprehensive victories at Headingley and Lord’s. With Pakistan again struggling to compete and England already ahead after the opening day, the hosts strengthened their prospects of completing a 3-0 series sweep.