Summary Three debutants feature as England take control of the series finale
BIRMINGHAM (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s batting struggles continued in Birmingham as the visitors were bowled out for just 133 in the first innings of the third and final Test against England.
England won the toss and elected to bowl first, immediately putting pressure on Pakistan’s fragile batting line-up. The visitors struggled to build partnerships and lost wickets at regular intervals, with only Saud Shakeel managing to provide meaningful resistance.
Saud Shakeel emerged as Pakistan’s top scorer with 43 runs, while Mohammad Abbas contributed 21. Debutant Razaullah made 11, but no other Pakistani batter managed to reach double figures.
Saim Ayub was dismissed for a duck, while Azan Awais scored nine runs before returning to the pavilion. Abdullah Shafique made three and Shan Masood managed five.
Captain Babar Azam also failed to make an impact, scoring seven runs before his dismissal. Wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori made four, while Mohammad Imran was dismissed for five.
England’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure throughout the innings. Josh Tong claimed three wickets, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer took two wickets each as Pakistan’s batting order failed to withstand the attack.
Three Test debuts
Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI for the final Test, handing debuts to wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori, fast bowler Razaullah and Imran Randhawa.
Saud Shakeel presented Ghazi Ghori with his Test cap, while Mohammad Abbas handed the cap to Razaullah. Babar Azam presented Randhawa with his Test cap.
Pakistan’s line-up also includes Saim Ayub, Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Ali.
The third Test comes with England already holding an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
England won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory in the second match.
Pakistan will now have to rely on their bowlers to restrict England’s first-innings advantage after another disappointing performance with the bat.
