Pakistan’s old batting woes resurfaced in the third Test against England. Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings, which began at Edgbaston on Wednesday. England fast bowler Josh Tongue took four wickets, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer took three each. At the close of play, England were 156 for four, taking a 23-run first innings lead.

ENG vs PAK: Pakistan bundled out for 133, England take lead on day one

Despite four changes, Pakistan’s story remained unchanged.

After losing the second Test at Lord’s, Pakistan made four changes to their playing XI. Three of these players made their Test debuts: Mohammad Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Imran, and Razaullah Khan. Despite this, Pakistan’s batting crumbled within the opening hours.

England won the toss and elected to bowl and put Pakistan under pressure from the start. The visitors scored 133 runs in 33.5 overs. None of Pakistan’s top five batsmen could reach double figures. This highlights the continued serious weakness of their batting on this tour.

Pakistani batsmen helpless in front of Josh Tongue

For Pakistan, Saud Shakeel led the charge, scoring 43. Mohammad Abbas added 21. Debutant Razaullah made 11. Other batsmen failed to add significant innings.

Josh Tongue was the most successful for England. He played a key role in wrapping up Pakistan’s innings with four wickets. Ollie Robinson took three wickets to reach his 100th Test wicket, while Jofra Archer also took three wickets.

Pakistan has hope from Razaullah

After being bowled out for 133, Pakistan’s bowlers briefly troubled England. Mohammad Ali dismissed Ben Duckett and Mohammad Abbas took the wicket of Jordan Cox. Debutant Razaullah then claimed his first Test wicket, dismissing Joe Root for 8 runs.

Razaullah didn’t stop there. He also dismissed Emilio Gay for 60 during England’s innings. He had two wickets at the end of the day’s play.

Gay and Harry Brooke anchored England’s innings.

England were at one stage 39 for three. Emilio Gay and Harry Brook then steadied the innings, adding 104 runs for the fourth wicket. Gay made 60, while Brook remained unbeaten on 52.

Razaullah broke the partnership by dismissing Gay, but by then England had already surpassed Pakistan’s total. At stumps, England were 156/4, with Harry Brooke and Dan Lawrence unbeaten on 5.

Pakistan under pressure to lose the series in the third Test

Pakistan is already trailing 0-2 in the three-match series. The Edgbaston Test is their last chance to salvage the series. The first day’s standings favored England. Pakistan will now need to wrap up England’s first innings quickly to make a comeback.