PAK vs ENG 3rd Test Preview: England Eye Clean Sweep at Edgbaston

An unforgiving English summer meets a wounded Pakistani side as the PAK vs ENG 3rd Test heads to Edgbaston, Birmingham on September 9. With England leading the three-match series 2-0, Joe Root’s side has a chance to complete a series clean sweep. For Pakistan, the finale is about more than avoiding a whitewash. 

They must find a response after two difficult Tests and restore some confidence under challenging English conditions.

PAK vs ENG Test Series So Far

England have dominated the series, winning both Tests with convincing margins.

1st Test, Headingley

England’s seam attack dismantled Pakistan in three days, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue leading the charge. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 and 135 as England secured an innings-and-103-run victory.

2nd Test, Lord’s

England produced another clinical performance at the Home of Cricket. Saud Shakeel’s determined 97 gave Pakistan hope in the second innings, but their top order again struggled against England’s disciplined pace attack. Jordan Cox’s 55 and Jamie Smith’s aggressive 61 strengthened England’s position before they completed a 194-run victory.

PAK vs ENG 3rd Test Preview

Edgbaston traditionally offers assistance to fast bowlers early in the match, particularly when the Dukes ball is moving. As the game progresses, the surface can become more favorable for batting, making the opening sessions especially important.

England enters the third Test with confidence and a well-balanced combination. Their bowling attack has consistently exposed Pakistan’s technical weaknesses, while their batting depth has allowed them to maintain pressure even when the top order has not produced huge scores.

Pakistan’s biggest challenge will once again be handling the moving ball. Abdullah Shafique and the top order have struggled to withstand sustained pressure, leaving the middle order with too much responsibility. The visitors need a stronger start if they are to prevent England from controlling another Test from the opening session.

PAK vs ENG 3rd Test Predicted Playing XIs

England Predicted XI

Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (WK), Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Pakistan Predicted XI

Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (C), Saud Shakeel, Rohail Nazir (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Arafat Minhas, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali

PAK vs ENG 3rd Test Key Player Battles

Joe Root vs Mohammad Abbas

Joe Root’s ability to judge length and leave deliveries outside off will be tested by Mohammad Abbas, who produced a five-wicket haul in the second innings at Lord’s. Abbas’ accuracy and movement could make Root work hard for his runs, particularly during the early stages of England’s innings.

Babar Azam vs Jofra Archer

Pakistan captain Babar Azam faces another demanding examination against Jofra Archer. Archer’s pace, bounce and short-ball threat could challenge Babar’s ability to settle at the crease. England will look to exploit any early uncertainty and put Pakistan under pressure from the outset.

Saud Shakeel vs Ollie Robinson

Saud Shakeel has been one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters during the series, showing patience and application under difficult circumstances. Ollie Robinson’s accuracy and ability to extract bounce make him a constant threat, setting up an intriguing battle between Pakistan’s most resilient batter and one of England’s most disciplined seamers.

Watch PAK vs ENG 3rd Test Live on tapmad

Catch every ball of the PAK vs ENG 3rd Test live on tapmad. Stream the action in real time and follow Pakistan and England as they battle it out at Edgbaston in the final Test of the series.