Key Takeaways
- Pakistan's batting collapse continues as they are bowled out for 133 in the third Test against England.
- The team has lost 15 of their last 20 Tests, with this performance adding to their woes.
- Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul have been sacked following a 194-run defeat in the second Test.
Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat on the opening day of the third Test against England, being bowled out for 133 at Edgbaston. This latest batting collapse follows a series of poor performances that have marred their tour of England.
The team, already 2-0 down in the three-match series, saw seven players banned and both head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul sacked after a heavy 194-run loss in the second Test at Lord’s.
In Birmingham, Pakistan fielded three debutants among four changes to their side, but the reshuffle did little to improve their fortunes. They have yet to score 200 in five innings.
The new-ball pair of Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer made the most of the overcast conditions, with Robinson taking 3-15 and Archer 3-25. Josh Tongue further contributed with 4-42, wrapping up the innings in just 34 overs.
Pakistan's resistance was limited, with only Saud Shakeel, fresh from his 97 at Lord’s, offering any significant resistance. He scored 43 before being dismissed. Mohammad Abbas was the last man out for 21.
The collapse began when recalled opener Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, lbw to Robinson. Express quick Archer then removed Azan Awais with a short ball. Abdullah Shafique nicked Robinson to gully, and Pakistan were 26-4 inside 10 overs.
Captain Babar Azam, without a Test century in nearly four years, was dismissed for seven, clean bowled by Tongue. Pakistan were 64-6 when wicket-keeper Ghazi Ghori, one of the three debutants, was lbw to Tongue for four.
Razaullah, another debutant, scored 13 before falling to his first ball after lunch. Saud Shakeel, who had earlier impressed with 47 runs, was bowled between bat and pad by a seaming Tongue delivery. Abbas batted gamely but was eventually dismissed, bringing up the 107-9 total.
