England will host Pakistan in the third and final Test of the series at Edgbaston in Birmingham from Wednesday, September 9. The hosts have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead after wins in the first two Tests, but both teams have plenty to play for in the final match of the series.
England will look to complete a 3-0 series sweep after winning the first Test by an innings and 103 runs and the second by 194 runs at Lord’s. Joe Root’s side can also use the Edgbaston Test to assess their fast-bowling options ahead of a busy winter schedule.
Pakistan, meanwhile, have made major changes after their two defeats. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has released seven squad members and two coaches ahead of the final Test. They opted for the new management and five uncapped domestic players in the challenging conditions.
The match will also carry importance for the ICC World Test Championship standings. England moved up to sixth place after their win at Lord’s, while Pakistan remain at the bottom with a 16.67% points percentage. The visitors will hope to end the series with a stronger performance and regain some confidence.
ENG vs PAK Match Preview & Recent Form
Ollie Robinson has been their standout bowler for England, taking 16 wickets at an average of 7.19. Josh Tongue has claimed 13 wickets, while Jofra Archer’s pace has added another threat. England’s seamers have consistently troubled Pakistan’s batting lineup.
England’s batting remains aggressive but has also shown some weakness at the top. At Lord’s, they were bowled out for 290 in the first innings in just 66.4 overs. Jordan Cox scored 55 runs and Jamie Smith added 61 runs.
Pakistan’s biggest problem has been their inability to build long partnerships against England’s moving ball. They have scored 171, 135, 110, and 194 across the four innings of the series, failing to cross 200 in any innings. Saud Shakeel offered their strongest resistance at Lord’s, scoring 97.
Pakistan have added five uncapped players to the squad. Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig and spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas are in line for their Test debuts. Babar Azam will need to find form after scoring only 8 and 6 at Lord’s.
Mohammad Abbas has taken 10 wickets in the series, including a five-wicket haul at Lord’s. If he can find early movement at Edgbaston, Pakistan could put pressure on England’s aggressive top order.
ENG vs PAK Live Streaming, Live Telecast: Where to Watch 3rd Test?
Cricket fans in India can watch the live streaming of the England vs Pakistan third Test on the SonyLIV app and website. The match will also be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, with coverage starting ahead of the 3:30 PM IST start time.
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports will provide the live television coverage, with the match beginning at 11:00 AM BST. Fans can also stream the Test on Sky Go and NOW TV.
ENG vs PAK Pitch Report: How Will Edgbaston Play?
The Edgbaston pitch is expected to offer pace, bounce, and some movement for seamers with the new ball. The first session could be important, with fast bowlers likely to target the batting lineup.
The surface is expected to become better for batting as the match progresses. Days 2 and 3 could offer the best conditions for batters to build long partnerships and post big totals.
Scoring could become tougher in the final two days. The average fourth-innings total at Edgbaston is only 159, with variable bounce and reverse swing likely to make chasing a big target difficult.
Edgbaston Test Stats
Matches Played: 61
Won Batting First: 20
Won Bowling First: 23
Draws: 18
Average 1st Innings Score: 307
Average 2nd Innings Score: 317
Average 3rd Innings Score: 246
Average 4th Innings Score: 159
Highest Team Total: 710/7 decl
Lowest Team Total: 30
Highest Score Chased: 378/3
Highest Individual Score: 294 (Alastair Cook, England vs India, 2011)
Best Bowling Figures: 7/17 (Wilfred Rhodes, England vs Australia, 1902)
ENG vs PAK Weather Forecast & Rain Threat at Edgbaston
Weather conditions in Birmingham are expected to be favorable on Day 1, with sunny intervals, temperatures around 18°C and a 10% chance of rain. Winds from the northwest at 10–13 mph could also help the seamers find some movement in the morning.
The rain threat could increase on September 10 and 11. Showers on Days 3 and 4 could lead to interruptions and reduce playing time, which may affect the result if either team struggles to take 20 wickets.
ENG vs PAK Team News & Injury Updates
England have dropped fast bowler Brydon Carse from the squad while an investigation continues into a nightclub incident in Derby. Matthew Fisher has also been omitted. England are expected to retain Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, and Jofra Archer.
Pakistan have made several changes after their heavy defeat at Lord's. Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal and Khurram Shahzad have been released. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal have joined the squad as top-order options.
Pakistan have also added five uncapped domestic players. Wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig and left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder Arafat Minhas are in contention to make their Test debuts.
ENG vs PAK Predicted Playing 11 Today
England Predicted XI:
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
Pakistan Predicted XI:
Azan Awais, Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Saad Baig (wk), Mohammad Imran Randhawa, Arafat Minhas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Abbas, Ubaid Shah
ENG vs PAK Key Player Battles to Watch
Ben Duckett vs Mohammad Abbas:
Ben Duckett will look to attack early, while Mohammad Abbas could test him with his control and movement outside off stump.
Abdullah Shafique vs Ollie Robinson:
Abdullah Shafique will have a key role in Pakistan's reshuffled top order. Ollie Robinson will look to trouble Shafique with disciplined lengths and seam movement.
Babar Azam vs Jofra Archer:
Babar Azam, who recovered from illness, will be under pressure to find form. Jofra Archer could test him with his pace, short-pitched deliveries, and full-length attacks.
ENG vs PAK Key Players to Watch
England: Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Harry Brook
Pakistan: Mohammad Abbas, Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam
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