Pakistan have struggled with the bat in English conditions, failing to reach the 200-run mark in any of their four innings to date. England are set to take this series 3-0 with Harry Brook to score big.
Key Stats - Brook Form is Tracking Well
- England’s Harry Brook has scored 49, 91 & 34 in his last 4 knocks.
- England’s Harry Brook has scores of 31, 31, 66 & 24 in his last 5 innings.
- England’s Josh Tongue has taken 13 wickets in the 2 Tests.
- Pakistan’s Babar Azam has scored 100*, 23, 58*, 88 & 24* in his last 7 knocks.
- Pakistan’s Harry Brook has scores of 30, 100* & 97 in his last 6 innings.
- Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas took 4/73 & 5/57 in the 2nd Test.
England Lead Current Series 2-0
England have won three and lost two of their last five Tests against Pakistan.
England have Secured Series Win
England head into the 3rd Test at Edgbaston with the series already firmly under their control after crushing Pakistan in the opening two matches. They won by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before completing a 194-run victory at Lord’s, with their pace attack repeatedly exposing Pakistan’s batting. Jofra Archer has added genuine speed and threat, while Josh Tongue has been particularly effective against the lower order.
England should also benefit from a potentially better batting surface in Birmingham. Harry Brook remains a major danger, averaging 75.46 in Tests against Pakistan, while Jordan Cox has impressed with scores of 73 and a half-century in the series. Joe Root’s side will be determined to finish with a clean sweep.
Pakistan Struggling in English Conditions
Pakistan arrive at Edgbaston under major pressure after two heavy defeats and significant changes to their squad. Seven members of the original touring party have been sent home, with five uncapped players drafted in as the selectors search for answers. Their batting has been the biggest concern, with scores of 171, 135, 110 and 194 across the first two Tests, while their fielding and general intensity have also been criticised.
One positive is the recall of Saim Ayub, who brings experience of English-style conditions and recently scored a century in the CPL. Pakistan will hope a flatter Edgbaston pitch gives their batters more opportunity, but they must show far greater discipline and resistance to avoid another one-sided defeat.
Team news & Predicted Lineups
England have dropped Brydon Carse following his arrest, with Sonny Baker called up and rotation possible among the pace attack. Pakistan have made sweeping changes after going 2-0 down, axing seven players and replacing both head and bowling coaches, while five uncapped players and Saim Ayub have joined the squad.
England (possible XI): Duckett, Gay, Cox, Root, Brook, Lawrence, Smith, Atkinson, Robinson, Archer, Tongue.
Pakistan (possible XI): Ayub, Fazal, Masood, Babar, Shafique, Shakeel, Ghouri, Randhawa, Sajid, Ubaid, Abbas.