England have completed a comprehensive 3-0
The feat is particularly uncommon in English conditions, marking only the second time such a series has occurred on home soil since the 1888 Ashes. Despite the lack of triple-figure scores, England’s batting lineup proved efficient enough to chase down a target of 130 in the third Test, with
A dramatic final chase at Edgbaston
The final pursuit was not without its tension. England suffered a disastrous start, losing Ben Duckett for a golden duck on the very first ball, followed shortly by the dismissal of Emilio Gay in the same over by Mohammad Abbas. With the hosts reeling at 2 for 2, Pakistan sensed a potential opening to salvage a consolation result.
However, Root provided the necessary stability to steer the chase. The veteran batter survived a significant scare when he was bowled by Mohammad Ali on 23, only for the delivery to be ruled a no-ball—the 17th such infraction by Ali during the series. Root later enjoyed another reprieve on 38 when he edged an Abbas delivery between the first and second slips, with neither fielder committing to the catch. Capitalizing on these chances, Root anchored the innings to record his 110th Test score of 50 or more.
Bowlers dominate as Pakistan faces transition
England’s success was largely built on the strength of their pace attack, with Ollie Robinson spearheading the effort by claiming 21 wickets across the three matches. Support from Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, and Gus Atkinson ensured that England remained in control, even as their own batting lineup struggled to convert starts into centuries. For Pakistan, the lone bright spot in the final Test was a spirited 81 off 63 balls from debutant Razaullah, though it proved insufficient to alter the series trajectory.
The series defeat marks a difficult period for Pakistan, who have now lost 16 of their last 21 Test matches. The tour prompted significant upheaval within their camp, including the removal of coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul, alongside a major squad overhaul that saw seven players replaced following the second Test. For England, the series represents a successful transition under interim red-ball head coach Marcus Trescothick, who oversaw the team following Brendon McCullum’s departure. The side will now prepare for a three-Test tour of South Africa, where Stephen Fleming is set to take charge as head coach.
