Pakistan endured another disappointing outing against England during the third and final Test of the ongoing away series at Edgbaston, with the visitors recording several unwanted statistics after being bowled out for just 133 runs.
Having already lost the first two Tests and surrendered the series, Pakistan came under immediate pressure from England’s pace attack. Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer and Ollie Robinson troubled the Pakistani batting lineup as the visitors struggled to build partnerships.
Pakistan were dismissed for only 133 runs in 33.5 overs. The low total gave England a strong advantage early in the match and left Pakistan facing another difficult battle after their disappointing performances in the first two Tests.
England then produced a dominant response with the bat. Emilio Gay, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith and Ollie Robinson all scored half-centuries as the home side maintained control of the match.
England eventually reached 453 all out in 89 overs. Their total gave them a huge first-innings lead of 320 runs over Pakistan.
The lead became England’s fifth-highest first-innings advantage against Pakistan in Test cricket. England’s biggest first-innings lead against Pakistan remains the 401-run margin recorded at Trent Bridge in 1954.
The other major first-innings leads came at Old Trafford in 2016, when England gained a 391-run advantage, and at Lord’s in 2010, where England secured a 372-run lead. England also recorded a 342-run lead at Old Trafford in 2006.
Ollie Robinson also reached an important personal milestone during England’s innings. Batting at No. 9, Robinson became the first England batter at No. 9 or lower to score a Test half-century against Pakistan since Stuart Broad’s 169 at Lord’s in 2010.
Robinson arrived at the crease when England were 331 for seven and continued to add pressure on Pakistan. He reached his half-century from just 47 deliveries, hitting seven fours and one six during his attacking innings.
The performance highlighted Pakistan’s struggles with both bat and ball in the third Test. After failing to secure a win in either of the first two matches, the visitors now face another challenging situation as England hold a massive first-innings advantage.
Pakistan will need a strong response in the remainder of the match to avoid another heavy defeat and finish the series on a positive note. England, meanwhile, are in a commanding position and will look to complete a clean sweep.
The third and final Test at Edgbaston is scheduled to continue until September 13. With England already leading the series 2-0, Pakistan face a difficult task if they are to prevent a 3-0 series defeat.
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