Chronological coverage updated 11th September 2026 19:53.
Update 1 · 11th September 2026
Razaullah's Explosive 81 Revives Pakistan as England's Spinner Strategy Faces Scrutiny
Pakistan set England a target of 130 runs to win the third and final Test at Edgbaston after producing a remarkable second-innings comeback on day three. Having been bowled out for 133 in their first innings and starting Friday at 55-2 while trailing by 268 runs, the touring side fought back to reach 449 before being dismissed late in the day. Source: BBC News.
The highlight of the day came from 21-year-old debutant Razaullah, who had already taken four wickets for 148 runs in England's first innings of 453. Batting at number nine, Razaullah scored 81 runs from 63 balls, striking nine sixes in an audacious late assault. He shared a 121-run ninth-wicket stand with Muhammad Abbas, who scored 42 with two sixes of his own. Source: BBC News.
Debutant Razaullah hit nine sixes in his 63-ball 81, tying the record for the most sixes in a Test innings in England held by Ben Stokes and matching Tim Southee's record for a debutant. — according to BBC News.
Pakistan Top Order Lays the Foundation
Before Razaullah's late hitting, Pakistan's top order provided sustained resistance against England's bowling attack. Shan Masood and Azan Awais extended their third-wicket partnership to 125 runs. Awais contributed 59 before falling to part-time off-spinner Dan Lawrence, who caught him down the leg side. Masood continued with captain Babar Azam, adding 89 runs for the fourth wicket before Masood fell on 95 to a one-handed gully catch by Lawrence off Gus Atkinson.
Babar Azam scored 76 before falling to a short ball from Josh Tongue, triggering a slump in which four wickets fell for 40 runs before Razaullah and Abbas mounted their counter-attack. The innings eventually concluded when Razaullah was stumped off Lawrence's bowling near the close of play.
Tactical Debate Over England's All-Pace Attack
The prolonged workload on England's four fast bowlers highlighted ongoing discussions surrounding the team's decision to play without a specialist spin bowler. Following the retirement of Ben Stokes earlier in the summer, England opted for an all-pace frontline attack, relying on part-time spinner Dan Lawrence to fill remaining overs. Source: The Guardian, The Guardian.
Ten of the 20 shortest Test matches that produced a winner in cricket history have been played in the last five years, including five in the previous 12 months. — according to The Guardian.
While part-time spin options have occasionally broken partnerships, specialist spinners across the County Championship continue to post strong domestic figures. Jack Leach has taken 31 wickets at an average of 18 for Somerset this season, Dom Bess has 32 wickets at 29 for Yorkshire, Mason Crane has 30 at 34 for Glamorgan, and Liam Patterson-White has recorded 35 at 26 for Nottinghamshire.
- Pakistan posted 449 in their second innings to leave England needing 130 runs for victory in the third Test.
- Razaullah scored 81 off 63 balls with nine sixes after taking four first-innings wickets on debut.
- England's rely-on-pace strategy raised questions as bowlers bowled extended spells without a specialist spinner.
