Pakistan Collapse to 133 as England Take Control at Edgbaston | 3rd Test Day 1

Pakistan's hopes of turning around their difficult Test tour of England took another major blow on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston. After England chose to field, Pakistan were bowled out for just 133, leaving their bowlers with an uphill task from the outset.

England did lose four wickets in their reply, but Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence guided the hosts through to stumps. England finished the day on 156/4, giving them a 23-run first-innings lead with six wickets still in hand.

Pakistan's Batting Collapse Sets the Tone

Pakistan needed a strong start after falling 2-0 behind in the three-match series, but their batting again failed to deliver. England's seam attack found enough movement and discipline to keep Pakistan under pressure, and wickets arrived at regular intervals.

Saud Shakeel top-scored with 43, providing the main resistance in an innings where Pakistan struggled to build meaningful partnerships. Mohammad Abbas added 21, but England eventually wrapped up the innings for 133.

The low total continued a worrying pattern for Pakistan on the tour. Their batting has repeatedly failed to produce the runs required to put England under sustained pressure, and another early collapse left the visitors chasing the game almost immediately.

England's Bowlers Put Pakistan Under Pressure

England's fast bowlers were relentless with the new ball. Josh Tongue was the standout bowler with four wickets, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer also made important contributions as Pakistan's top order struggled.

The hosts made full use of the conditions and maintained pressure rather than allowing Pakistan's lower order to rebuild. England's disciplined attack meant Pakistan were dismissed in just 33.5 overs.

England Lose Four Wickets but Take the Lead

England's reply was not completely straightforward. Pakistan's bowlers struck back after the hosts began their innings, and the early wickets gave the visitors a brief chance to recover from their batting collapse.

Debutant Razaullah provided one of Pakistan's biggest positives. He removed Joe Root and later dismissed Emilio Gay, showing the pace and aggression needed to trouble England's middle order on his Test debut.

But England's recovery was ultimately strong enough to put them ahead. Emilio Gay's 60 was followed by a valuable contribution from Harry Brook, who remained unbeaten at the close.

Harry Brook Finishes Day Unbeaten on 52

Harry Brook was the key figure in England's late recovery. He reached his half-century before stumps and remained unbeaten on 52, giving England the platform to push for a substantial first-innings advantage on Day 2.

Dan Lawrence was unbeaten on 5 alongside him when the players left the field. With six wickets still available, England are in a much stronger position than Pakistan at the end of the opening day.

Razaullah Gives Pakistan Something to Build On

Although Pakistan finished the day behind, Razaullah's performance with the ball was an encouraging development. The debutant showed enough pace and control to trouble England's batting order and accounted for two important wickets.

Pakistan will need more of the same on Day 2. If they can remove Brook early and prevent England from extending the lead beyond a manageable total, the match could still become competitive.

What Pakistan Need on Day 2

The equation is simple for Pakistan: take early wickets. England already have a first-innings lead and have six wickets remaining, so allowing Brook and Lawrence to settle would make the deficit increasingly difficult to overcome.

Pakistan's bowlers must also make the most of the second new-ball opportunity later in the innings. A strong start on Thursday could prevent England from turning a modest advantage into a match-defining lead.

Pakistan vs England 3rd Test Day 1: At a Glance

The Bottom Line

Pakistan needed a response at Edgbaston but instead found themselves bowled out for 133, putting England in control from the first innings. Their bowlers did fight back with four wickets, and Razaullah's debut was a bright spot, but England still ended the day ahead.

With Harry Brook unbeaten on 52 and England already 23 runs in front, Day 2 begins with the hosts firmly in the driving seat. Pakistan now need an early breakthrough to stop England from building a lead that could decide the final Test.