BIRMINGHAM (Web Desk) - Pakistan suffered a dramatic batting collapse on the opening day of the third and final Test at Edgbaston, being bowled out for just 133 before England reached 156 for four at stumps to take a 23-run first-innings lead.
England captain Joe Root won the toss at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham and opted to field first, a decision that quickly paid dividends as Pakistan struggled against a disciplined home bowling attack.
Pakistan made four changes to the side that featured in the previous Tests at Headingley and Lord's. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, opener Imam-ul-Haq, fast bowler Khurram Shahzad and spinner Ali Usman were left out. Saim Ayub returned to the Test side, while three players made their Test debuts alongside wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghauri, all-rounder Imran Randhawa and fast bowler Razaullah.
Pakistan's innings got off to a disastrous start. Saim Ayub, returning to the Test team after January 2025, was dismissed for a duck after facing 10 deliveries. His departure triggered a rapid collapse, with Pakistan losing seven wickets before lunch.
The Pakistan batsmen found conditions difficult and struggled to build partnerships. Saud Shakeel was given a major reprieve when Ben Duckett dropped him at slip off Gus Atkinson when the left-hander was on seven.
Shakeel made England pay for the missed opportunity, emerging as Pakistan's leading scorer. Batting at No. 6, he struck nine fours in a 47-ball 43, providing some resistance as wickets continued to fall around him.
The first seven Pakistan batsmen failed to reach double figures. Razaullah, batting at No. 9 on his Test debut, contributed 11, while Mohammad Abbas added a valuable 21 at No. 10.
Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 133 in 33.5 overs after lunch, marking the third time in their five innings on the England tour that they had failed to bat through 40 overs.
England's bowlers shared the spoils, with Josh Tongue producing an impressive spell of four for 42. Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three wickets apiece.
Robinson reached a significant milestone during the innings, taking his 100th Test wicket when he trapped Saim Ayub lbw. The 32-year-old Sussex seamer achieved the landmark in his 24th Test.
England then began their reply positively. Opener Emmylou Gaye led the way with a composed 60, helping the hosts move beyond Pakistan's modest total.
Pakistan's debutant fast bowler Razaullah provided some encouragement for the visitors by claiming two England wickets, but the hosts remained in control at the close.
England finished the day on 156 for four from 39 overs, 23 runs ahead of Pakistan, leaving the visitors facing a major challenge to prevent the hosts from building a decisive first-innings advantage.
The day belonged overwhelmingly to England, whose bowlers exposed Pakistan's fragile batting and whose top order ensured that the hosts ended the opening day firmly in command.