Image Source: BBC
Eng vs Pak produced a stunning opening session at Edgbaston on Wednesday, as Pakistan’s fragile batting order collapsed to 48-5 in the third Test. England won the toss and chose to field, immediately putting pressure on a Pakistan side already facing intense scrutiny after a deeply disrupted build-up.
Shocking Eng vs Pak Collapse Leaves Pakistan in Trouble
Pakistan’s innings began badly and deteriorated rapidly in helpful bowling conditions. England’s seamers found movement from the surface, while Pakistan’s batters struggled to settle against a disciplined attack.
Jofra Archer and Ollie Robinson led the early assault, taking two wickets apiece before Josh Tongue delivered the latest major blow. Tongue bowled Babar Azam for seven, leaving Pakistan five wickets down after 15 overs.
The dismissal was emphatic. Babar attempted to defend but was beaten by the delivery, which crashed into the stumps. The Pakistan captain’s departure added to the sense that his team had lost confidence at precisely the wrong moment.
England’s Fast Bowlers Strike Early
Robinson began the rout by removing Saim Ayub for a duck, trapping the opener leg before wicket. He then dismissed Abdullah Shafique for three, with Dan Lawrence completing the catch.
Archer provided the breakthrough for Azan Awais, who made nine before edging behind to Josh Tongue. The England fast bowler took the catch himself, giving Archer an early reward for his pace and movement.
Shan Masood followed for five after a loose shot ended in a catch by a substitute fielder off Archer’s bowling. Former England captain Michael Vaughan, speaking on Test Match Special, described the dismissal as a sign of a Pakistan team short on confidence.
- Saim Ayub: 0, dismissed by Ollie Robinson
- Azan Awais: 9, dismissed by Jofra Archer
- Abdullah Shafique: 3, dismissed by Ollie Robinson
- Shan Masood: 5, dismissed by Jofra Archer
- Babar Azam: 7, bowled by Josh Tongue
Pakistan’s Difficult Build-Up Adds to the Pressure
The poor start came after a turbulent week for Pakistan cricket. The touring side made four changes for the third Test following a disrupted preparation period that saw seven players, the head coach and the bowling coach sent home.
That upheaval has placed additional responsibility on captain Babar Azam and the remaining senior players. Pakistan had already lost the first two Tests and could no longer win the series, with England holding an unassailable 2-0 lead.
The visitors’ problems were visible in their early shot selection. Several batters appeared uncertain outside off stump, while others failed to cope with England’s full-length deliveries. Robinson repeatedly attacked the front pad, and Archer used extra pace and bounce to unsettle the left-handers.
England Miss Chances Despite Dominant Bowling
England were not flawless in the field. Ben Duckett dropped Saud Shakeel twice at first slip, although the second chance was considerably more difficult. The missed opportunities briefly offered Pakistan a route back into the innings.
Shakeel survived and showed greater control than his teammates, moving into double figures with several well-timed shots through the off side. At the latest score, he remained Pakistan’s main hope of dragging the innings towards a competitive total.
Jamie Smith also stood up to the stumps to Ollie Robinson, a tactic that helped England maintain pressure but carried the risk of conceding byes. Rain and gloomy skies briefly threatened to interrupt play, but the shower passed and the match continued as scheduled.
Historic Low-Score Threat Looms at Edgbaston
England’s attack continued to raise the possibility of another extremely low Pakistan total. Pakistan’s lowest Test score is 49, recorded against South Africa in 2013. Their lowest total in England is 72, made at Edgbaston in 2010.
BBC statistician Andy Zaltzman also highlighted Pakistan’s repeated early collapses during the series. The team’s second wicket has fallen at extremely low scores in each Test, creating a pattern of weak top-order partnerships.
England’s bowlers, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive summer. According to CricViz figures shared by BBC Sport, England’s slip and gully catching percentage against pace bowling has been 77% during this series, broadly matching their strong numbers against New Zealand.
What Happens Next in the Eng vs Pak Test?
Pakistan’s immediate priority is survival. Saud Shakeel must now build a partnership and help the lower order avoid a damaging collapse. England will sense an opportunity to finish the innings quickly and seize complete control of the Test.
For England, the morning has reinforced the strength of their pace attack. Robinson’s accuracy, Archer’s speed and Tongue’s timely breakthrough have combined to leave Pakistan in a deeply vulnerable position.
The third Test continues at Edgbaston, with all times reported in UK time. Pakistan’s ability to recover from 48-5 could define the match and determine whether England can complete a commanding series clean sweep.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest Eng vs Pak score?
Pakistan were 48-5 after 15 overs in the first innings of the third Test at Edgbaston, with England bowling first.
Who dismissed Babar Azam?
Josh Tongue bowled Babar Azam for seven, delivering England’s fifth wicket of the innings.
Who are Pakistan’s top scorers so far?
Saud Shakeel was Pakistan’s leading scorer at the latest update, while Babar Azam made seven before being dismissed.
Why has Pakistan’s preparation been disrupted?
Pakistan made four changes after a turbulent build-up that saw seven players, the head coach and the bowling coach sent home.
Who won the first two Tests?
England won the opening two Tests and had already secured an unassailable 2-0 series lead before the Edgbaston match.
