England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan after securing an eight-wicket win in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday (Sept 12). Chasing 130, England reached the target comfortably on the fourth morning, finishing on 130/2 in 24.2 overs. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 62 off 69 balls, while Jordan Cox was not out on 59 off 76 deliveries. The victory also saw England record their first home Test series whitewash against Pakistan.&nbsp;Pakistan had been dismissed for just 133 in their first innings but produced a strong fightback in the second. They were eventually bowled out for 449, giving England a target of 130.&nbsp;Captain Shan Masood led the recovery with 95, while Babar Azam scored 76 and Azan Awais added 59. However, the biggest contribution came from Test debutant Razaullah, who smashed 81 off only 63 balls, hitting nine sixes and four fours.&nbsp;Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas, who made 42, put together a crucial 121-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Their efforts helped Pakistan take a 129-run lead.&nbsp;Earlier, Pakistan’s first innings had lasted just 33.5 overs. Saud Shakeel was their top scorer with 43, while Abbas made 21. Tongue claimed 4/42, Ollie Robinson took 3/15 and Jofra Archer finished with 3/25.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-frances-tiafoe-in-tears-after-losing-us-open-semi-final-to-ben-shelton-1789209406968">WATCH | Frances Tiafoe in tears after losing US Open semi-final to Ben Shelton</a>&nbsp;England then piled up 453 in their first innings to gain a huge 320-run lead. Harry Brook top-scored with 75, followed by Jamie Smith’s 69, Dan Lawrence’s 65 and Emilio Gay’s 60. Robinson also struck a quick 50. Razaullah was Pakistan’s best bowler, finishing with 4/148.&nbsp;Pakistan’s second innings got off to a poor start when Robinson dismissed Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique for ducks in the opening over. Masood and Awais then steadied the innings before Babar joined the captain and helped Pakistan recover.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rizwan-imam-ul-haq-questioned-by-pakistan-s-cybercrime-department-in-lahore-1789205208678">Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq questioned by Pakistan’s cybercrime department in Lahore</a>&nbsp;England had already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead before the final Test. They won the first match at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before beating Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s. The Edgbaston victory completed a dominant 3-0 series win for Joe Root’s side.&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan after Joe Root’s unbeaten 62 helped them secure an eight-wicket win in the third Test at Edgbaston, despite a brief scare during their 130-run chase.

England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan after securing an eight-wicket win in the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Saturday (Sept 12). Chasing 130, England reached the target comfortably on the fourth morning, finishing on 130/2 in 24.2 overs. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 62 off 69 balls, while Jordan Cox was not out on 59 off 76 deliveries. The victory also saw England record their first home Test series whitewash against Pakistan. Pakistan had been dismissed for just 133 in their first innings but produced a strong fightback in the second. They were eventually bowled out for 449, giving England a target of 130. Captain Shan Masood led the recovery with 95, while Babar Azam scored 76 and Azan Awais added 59. However, the biggest contribution came from Test debutant Razaullah, who smashed 81 off only 63 balls, hitting nine sixes and four fours. Razaullah and Mohammad Abbas, who made 42, put together a crucial 121-run partnership for the ninth wicket. Their efforts helped Pakistan take a 129-run lead. Earlier, Pakistan’s first innings had lasted just 33.5 overs. Saud Shakeel was their top scorer with 43, while Abbas made 21. Tongue claimed 4/42, Ollie Robinson took 3/15 and Jofra Archer finished with 3/25. Also Read - WATCH | Frances Tiafoe in tears after losing US Open semi-final to Ben Shelton England then piled up 453 in their first innings to gain a huge 320-run lead. Harry Brook top-scored with 75, followed by Jamie Smith’s 69, Dan Lawrence’s 65 and Emilio Gay’s 60. Robinson also struck a quick 50. Razaullah was Pakistan’s best bowler, finishing with 4/148. Pakistan’s second innings got off to a poor start when Robinson dismissed Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique for ducks in the opening over. Masood and Awais then steadied the innings before Babar joined the captain and helped Pakistan recover. Also Read - Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq questioned by Pakistan’s cybercrime department in Lahore England had already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead before the final Test. They won the first match at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before beating Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s. The Edgbaston victory completed a dominant 3-0 series win for Joe Root’s side. With inputs from agencies

England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan after Joe Root’s unbeaten 62 helped them secure an eight-wicket win in the third Test at Edgbaston, despite a brief scare during their 130-run chase.

ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test: Cox, Root shine as England complete whitewash over Pakistan

Razaullah’s Test debut came at a difficult time for Pakistan, as the fast bowler was brought into the playing XI as one of seven changes for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston. He had played only eight first-class matches before making his international debut. During the match, Razaullah quickly made his presence felt with the ball, bowling at good pace and dismissing England batters Joe Root and Jamie Smith. However, it was his batting that grabbed most of the attention.&nbsp;When Razaullah came to the crease, Pakistan were 312/7 and facing the threat of an innings defeat on Friday. What happened next saw the debutant become one of the biggest talking points of the Test.&nbsp;Razaullah played an attacking knock of 81 off just 63 balls, hitting nine sixes against an England pace attack that included Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue. His aggressive innings helped Pakistan escape a difficult situation and also earned him a place in the record books. His nine sixes equalled the record for the most sixes by a batter in a Test innings on debut.&nbsp;However, his stunning performance at Edgbaston was not completely unexpected, as the Mardan-born cricketer had already shown his batting ability in domestic cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;He made his first-class debut in Nov 2025 and scored a century for Peshawar in one of his early matches after opening the innings.&nbsp;Despite his batting skills, Razaullah’s main role remains that of a fast bowler.&nbsp;He gave an early indication of his ability with the ball at Edgbaston when he dismissed England great Joe Root with his fourth delivery in Test cricket. Although his bowling figures later became expensive, but the wicket showed why Pakistan had backed him during a period of major changes in the team.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-2026-sri-lanka-stun-pakistan-to-seal-final-against-india-1789196020203">Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Sri Lanka stun Pakistan to seal final against India</a>&nbsp;After Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s, the team went through a major overhaul, with seven players dropped and two coaches also removed. Razaullah was added to the XI at short notice and had very little time to prepare for international cricket.&nbsp;Instead of feeling overwhelmed, he embraced the opportunity.&nbsp;“I enjoyed the standing ovation,” Razaullah said with a smile at the press conference. “I like to enjoy life and I was relishing the moment.”&nbsp;His calm nature was also clear in his batting. Razaullah faced England’s pace attack without fear, trusting his own ability instead of worrying about his opponents.&nbsp;&nbsp;“I was being selective with which balls to slog, but they all seemed within range,” he said casually. “I wanted to take it as deep as possible. I wasn’t scared of pace. I wanted to punish the balls from Archer that landed on a hard length. There’s nothing to be scared of when you’re playing for your country. I was just enjoying myself.”&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beyond-the-scoreboard-former-aussie-batter-david-warner-on-fans-culture-and-life-after-cricket-1789120951406">'Beyond the Scoreboard': Ex-Aussie Warner on fans, culture, &amp; life after cricket</a>&nbsp;By the time Razaullah was dismissed for 81, Pakistan had turned the match around. Instead of facing an innings defeat, they had put England in a position where they needed to chase a target in the fourth innings.&nbsp;“I just believed in myself. I thought if I played 50 balls, I’d get a positive result. And thankfully that happened,” he said.

Pakistan were 312 for seven and in danger of an innings defeat against England when debutant Razaullah hit a brilliant 81, including nine sixes, to change the course of the match.

Razaullah’s Test debut came at a difficult time for Pakistan, as the fast bowler was brought into the playing XI as one of seven changes for the third and final Test against England at Edgbaston. He had played only eight first-class matches before making his international debut. During the match, Razaullah quickly made his presence felt with the ball, bowling at good pace and dismissing England batters Joe Root and Jamie Smith. However, it was his batting that grabbed most of the attention. When Razaullah came to the crease, Pakistan were 312/7 and facing the threat of an innings defeat on Friday. What happened next saw the debutant become one of the biggest talking points of the Test. Razaullah played an attacking knock of 81 off just 63 balls, hitting nine sixes against an England pace attack that included Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue. His aggressive innings helped Pakistan escape a difficult situation and also earned him a place in the record books. His nine sixes equalled the record for the most sixes by a batter in a Test innings on debut. However, his stunning performance at Edgbaston was not completely unexpected, as the Mardan-born cricketer had already shown his batting ability in domestic cricket. He made his first-class debut in Nov 2025 and scored a century for Peshawar in one of his early matches after opening the innings. Despite his batting skills, Razaullah’s main role remains that of a fast bowler. He gave an early indication of his ability with the ball at Edgbaston when he dismissed England great Joe Root with his fourth delivery in Test cricket. Although his bowling figures later became expensive, but the wicket showed why Pakistan had backed him during a period of major changes in the team. Also Read - Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Sri Lanka stun Pakistan to seal final against India After Pakistan’s defeat at Lord’s, the team went through a major overhaul, with seven players dropped and two coaches also removed. Razaullah was added to the XI at short notice and had very little time to prepare for international cricket. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, he embraced the opportunity. “I enjoyed the standing ovation,” Razaullah said with a smile at the press conference. “I like to enjoy life and I was relishing the moment.” His calm nature was also clear in his batting. Razaullah faced England’s pace attack without fear, trusting his own ability instead of worrying about his opponents. “I was being selective with which balls to slog, but they all seemed within range,” he said casually. “I wanted to take it as deep as possible. I wasn’t scared of pace. I wanted to punish the balls from Archer that landed on a hard length. There’s nothing to be scared of when you’re playing for your country. I was just enjoying myself.” Also Read - 'Beyond the Scoreboard': Ex-Aussie Warner on fans, culture, & life after cricket By the time Razaullah was dismissed for 81, Pakistan had turned the match around. Instead of facing an innings defeat, they had put England in a position where they needed to chase a target in the fourth innings. “I just believed in myself. I thought if I played 50 balls, I’d get a positive result. And thankfully that happened,” he said.

Pakistan were 312 for seven and in danger of an innings defeat against England when debutant Razaullah hit a brilliant 81, including nine sixes, to change the course of the match.

Record nine sixes on Test debut! Meet Pakistan’s new pace hope Razaullah

Ollie Robinson claimed his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapsed to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Pakistan made several changes, naming three debutants in their playing XI for this Test, but failed to alter their fate. Beyond the fresh faces and recalled players, including opener Saim Ayub, who departed for a 10-ball duck, batting mainstays like Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and even captain Babar Azam departed cheaply. Lord’s Test hero for Pakistan, Saud Shakeel, however, remains the only seasoned batter to hold onto his wicket at lunch on day one. &nbsp;For the third time in this series, Robinson provided an early breakthrough with the new ball. Coming from around the wicket to the left-handers, the right-arm seamer set up Ayub before trapping him in front of the wickets for a duck. Jofra Archer removed his opening partner Azan Awais, caught at mid-wicket for nine, before Robinson claimed Shafique’s wicket for just three. Archer’s extra pace caught Masood off guard, as he top-edged one for five, with Pakistan’s scorecard reading 26/4 inside 10 overs.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/joe-root-surpasses-waugh-ponting-third-most-capped-test-player-1788955580781">Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player</a> &nbsp;Captain Babar and Shakeel tried reviving Pakistan’s batting with a brief 22-run stand for the fifth wicket, only for Josh Tongue to clean up Babar’s off stump for seven. His dismissal saw Pakistan register an unwanted record of becoming the first Test side to have its top five batters get out without entering double digits in the first innings of a Test match in England.&nbsp;WATCH Babar Azam's Wicket -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Josh Tongue on target 🎯 Follow every ball live 👉 <a href="https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2">https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2</a> <a href="https://t.co/uzGWAoT65y">pic.twitter.com/uzGWAoT65y</a>&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2097648645944345063?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Shakeel was, however, impressive with his clean stroke-making but failed to get any assistance from the other end as wickets kept tumbling. By lunchtime, Pakistan had lost seven wickets for 100, with Robinson returning and Archer picking up two, and Tongue grabbing three.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">New stump please... Click here to follow the action 📲 <a href="https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2">https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2</a> <a href="https://t.co/3mhb78TFhh">pic.twitter.com/3mhb78TFhh</a>&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2097655611559198910?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Soon after play resumed, Robinson picked his third and Tongue his fourth by breaking Shakeel’s stumps as Pakistan’s batting continued to struggle.&nbsp;WATCH Shakeel's Dismissal -

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Josh Tongue with his fourth of the day 🤝 Click here to follow the action 📲 <a href="https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2">https://t.co/VUdUehsgT2</a> <a href="https://t.co/8jnSQI08gW">pic.twitter.com/8jnSQI08gW</a>&mdash; England Cricket (@englandcricket) <a href="https://x.com/englandcricket/status/2097673641009787206?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 9, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Ollie Robinson claims his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston. 

Ollie Robinson claimed his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapsed to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Pakistan made several changes, naming three debutants in their playing XI for this Test, but failed to alter their fate. Beyond the fresh faces and recalled players, including opener Saim Ayub, who departed for a 10-ball duck, batting mainstays like Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and even captain Babar Azam departed cheaply. Lord’s Test hero for Pakistan, Saud Shakeel, however, remains the only seasoned batter to hold onto his wicket at lunch on day one. For the third time in this series, Robinson provided an early breakthrough with the new ball. Coming from around the wicket to the left-handers, the right-arm seamer set up Ayub before trapping him in front of the wickets for a duck. Jofra Archer removed his opening partner Azan Awais, caught at mid-wicket for nine, before Robinson claimed Shafique’s wicket for just three. Archer’s extra pace caught Masood off guard, as he top-edged one for five, with Pakistan’s scorecard reading 26/4 inside 10 overs. Also read| Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player Captain Babar and Shakeel tried reviving Pakistan’s batting with a brief 22-run stand for the fifth wicket, only for Josh Tongue to clean up Babar’s off stump for seven. His dismissal saw Pakistan register an unwanted record of becoming the first Test side to have its top five batters get out without entering double digits in the first innings of a Test match in England. WATCH Babar Azam's Wicket -

Ollie Robinson claims his 100th Test wicket as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in the opening session on day one of the third Test at Edgbaston.&nbsp;

Robinson reaches 100 Test wickets as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in opening session at Edgbaston

England Test captain Joe Root became the third-most capped Test player in cricket history after taking the field on day one of the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan on Wednesday (Sep 9). Root surpassed former Australian captains and Test veterans Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting – who appeared in the same number of Test matches (168) – to feature in his 169th Test match and counting. Only two cricketers have played more Test matches than Root: James Anderson (188) and Sachin Tendulkar (200).<h2>Players to Play Most Test Matches –</h2><ul><li>Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 200 Test Matches</li><li>James Anderson (England) – 188 Test Matches</li><li>Joe Root (England) – 169 Test Matches*</li><li>Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 168 Test Matches</li><li>Steve Waugh (Australia) – 168 Test Matches</li></ul>Root is the only active cricketer on this top-five list, with the remaining four retired from all forms of the game. Tendulkar’s number of Test appearances is not the only record that Root is chasing, as the current England captain is only second to the Master Blaster for most Test runs scored. Root is 1,713 runs behind Sachin’s tally of 15,921 runs that he scored in 200 Test matches.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ollie-robinson-100th-test-wicket-pakistan-collapse-edgbaston-1788956659241">Robinson reaches 100 Test wickets as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in opening session at Edgbaston</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Root was named England’s Test captain after talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes announced his shock retirement after the New Zealand Test series. Root, who led England for six years until 2022, returned to the helm, with the ECB not too confident of handing over the Test baton to white-ball skipper Harry Brook. &nbsp;Since assuming the leadership role once again, Root began the second innings of his captaincy stint with thumping wins in the first two Tests against Pakistan, leading England to convincing wins in Leeds and Lord’s. The pace trio of Robinson, Archer and Tongue never allowed the visitors to score more than 200 in any of the four innings, with England staying at the top throughout. &nbsp;Even during the ongoing third and final Test at Edgbaston, Root’s England wrapped up Pakistan for 133 inside the second session on day one.

Joe Root surpassed Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting to become the third-most capped Test player in history during the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan.

England Test captain Joe Root became the third-most capped Test player in cricket history after taking the field on day one of the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan on Wednesday (Sep 9). Root surpassed former Australian captains and Test veterans Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting – who appeared in the same number of Test matches (168) – to feature in his 169th Test match and counting. Only two cricketers have played more Test matches than Root: James Anderson (188) and Sachin Tendulkar (200). Players to Play Most Test Matches – Sachin Tendulkar (India) – 200 Test Matches James Anderson (England) – 188 Test Matches Joe Root (England) – 169 Test Matches* Ricky Ponting (Australia) – 168 Test Matches Steve Waugh (Australia) – 168 Test Matches Root is the only active cricketer on this top-five list, with the remaining four retired from all forms of the game. Tendulkar’s number of Test appearances is not the only record that Root is chasing, as the current England captain is only second to the Master Blaster for most Test runs scored. Root is 1,713 runs behind Sachin’s tally of 15,921 runs that he scored in 200 Test matches. Also read| Robinson reaches 100 Test wickets as Pakistan collapse to 100/7 in opening session at Edgbaston Meanwhile, Root was named England’s Test captain after talismanic all-rounder Ben Stokes announced his shock retirement after the New Zealand Test series. Root, who led England for six years until 2022, returned to the helm, with the ECB not too confident of handing over the Test baton to white-ball skipper Harry Brook. Since assuming the leadership role once again, Root began the second innings of his captaincy stint with thumping wins in the first two Tests against Pakistan, leading England to convincing wins in Leeds and Lord’s. The pace trio of Robinson, Archer and Tongue never allowed the visitors to score more than 200 in any of the four innings, with England staying at the top throughout. Even during the ongoing third and final Test at Edgbaston, Root’s England wrapped up Pakistan for 133 inside the second session on day one.

Joe Root surpassed Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting to become the third-most capped Test player in history during the Edgbaston Test against Pakistan.

Joe Root surpasses Steve Waugh, Ponting to become third-most capped Test player

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seemed to have hit rock bottom following the Lord’s Test defeat. Days after Pakistan dropped seven first-team players, including Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, and released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, the PCB has sunk lower by taking away the mobile phones of several unnamed players ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston. Latest reports suggest that the PCB confiscated mobile devices and is unlikely to return them to the players unless the last ball of the third Test is bowled. &nbsp;For whatever reason, be it for suspicion of match- or spot-fixing, keeping players away from online backlash, or to keep them away from phones during an internal investigation after the series loss in the UK, the PCB has created a ‘jail-like’ environment for the players.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wahab-riaz-pakistan-best-team-womens-asia-cup-55-all-out-1788684197776">All out for 55 vs India, coach Wahab Riaz bizarrely claims Pakistan as ‘Best Team in Asia Cup’</a> &nbsp;Although a Pakistan 365 report did not identify the players whose mobile phones the PCB took away, the cricket board also hasn’t publicly stated why the mobile devices are in its custody. This development, moreover, has raised questions about the extent of the authorities’ ‘power over the players’, particularly regarding seizing their personal items like mobile phones. &nbsp;Meanwhile, under the ICC’s Player and Match Officials Area regulations, all international players and the team’s support staff are not allowed to have access to mobile phones or any other communication device inside the restricted areas, including the dressing rooms and dugouts. &nbsp;Players are also expected to submit their communication devices in secure storage before entering restricted areas. The main purpose of these regulations is to protect the integrity of international matches and prevent unauthorised communication.<h2>Changes since Lord’s Test defeat</h2>Since surrendering the three-match Test series at Lord’s, where Pakistan failed to cross 200 across both innings, the PCB made drastic changes, with several more happening in the background. Amid dropping and releasing players and the support staff, Pakistan roped in seven new faces, including five uncapped cricketers.&nbsp; &nbsp;Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, Pakistan’s white-ball coaches, have been asked to take up the coaching responsibilities for the final Test in Birmingham.&nbsp; &nbsp;The PCB also issued a show-cause notice to the four-member selection committee, seeking a response within 24 hours on the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in the squads for the away tours of the West Indies and England.&nbsp; &nbsp;Misbah-ul-Haq, one of the four members, also tendered his resignation a day after the PCB made wholesale changes to the main-team roster, with the PCB rejecting it.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, England lead the three-match series 2-0, with the final Test starting next Wednesday (Sep 9).&nbsp;

The PCB has reportedly confiscated the mobile phones of several Pakistan players ahead of the Edgbaston Test against England. Read more about the 'jail-like' environment and ICC rules.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seemed to have hit rock bottom following the Lord’s Test defeat. Days after Pakistan dropped seven first-team players, including Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Imam-ul-Haq, and released head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, the PCB has sunk lower by taking away the mobile phones of several unnamed players ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston. Latest reports suggest that the PCB confiscated mobile devices and is unlikely to return them to the players unless the last ball of the third Test is bowled. For whatever reason, be it for suspicion of match- or spot-fixing, keeping players away from online backlash, or to keep them away from phones during an internal investigation after the series loss in the UK, the PCB has created a ‘jail-like’ environment for the players. Also read| All out for 55 vs India, coach Wahab Riaz bizarrely claims Pakistan as ‘Best Team in Asia Cup’ Although a Pakistan 365 report did not identify the players whose mobile phones the PCB took away, the cricket board also hasn’t publicly stated why the mobile devices are in its custody. This development, moreover, has raised questions about the extent of the authorities’ ‘power over the players’, particularly regarding seizing their personal items like mobile phones. Meanwhile, under the ICC’s Player and Match Officials Area regulations, all international players and the team’s support staff are not allowed to have access to mobile phones or any other communication device inside the restricted areas, including the dressing rooms and dugouts. Players are also expected to submit their communication devices in secure storage before entering restricted areas. The main purpose of these regulations is to protect the integrity of international matches and prevent unauthorised communication. Changes since Lord’s Test defeat Since surrendering the three-match Test series at Lord’s, where Pakistan failed to cross 200 across both innings, the PCB made drastic changes, with several more happening in the background. Amid dropping and releasing players and the support staff, Pakistan roped in seven new faces, including five uncapped cricketers. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, Pakistan’s white-ball coaches, have been asked to take up the coaching responsibilities for the final Test in Birmingham. The PCB also issued a show-cause notice to the four-member selection committee, seeking a response within 24 hours on the inclusion of Rizwan and Imam in the squads for the away tours of the West Indies and England. Misbah-ul-Haq, one of the four members, also tendered his resignation a day after the PCB made wholesale changes to the main-team roster, with the PCB rejecting it. Meanwhile, England lead the three-match series 2-0, with the final Test starting next Wednesday (Sep 9).

The PCB has reportedly confiscated the mobile phones of several Pakistan players ahead of the Edgbaston Test against England. Read more about the 'jail-like' environment and ICC rules.

‘Jail-Like Environment’: PCB seizes Pakistan players' phones ahead of Edgbaston Test — Report

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday.

Anderson was left just one shy of becoming only the fourth bowler to reach the landmark figure as a combination of poor catching, bad weather and determined Pakistan batting thwarted him on the fourth day of the third Test.

Anderson, denied an early breakthrough when Jos Buttler dropped a routine chance to reprieve Shan Masood, returned for a third spell late in the day to have opener Abid Ali lbw for 42 after Masood had fallen lbw, playing no shot, to Stuart Broad.

Abid's dismissal took the 38-year-old Anderson to 599 Test wickets.

But that was as good as it got for Anderson, who ended a day cut short by bad light and rain with 1-18 from 12 overs.

<h2>- 'Amazing feat' -</h2>

"It is a massive achievement," said Silverwood of Anderson's looming milestone. "To have two bowlers above 500 Test wickets (Anderson and Broad) and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat."&nbsp;

England are 1-0 up in a three-Test campaign and on the verge of a first Test series win against Pakistan in a decade.

They beat the West Indies 2-1 in the preceding series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown and are about to conclude a programme of six Tests in seven weeks, all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I'm very proud of how they've handled themselves, being locked up for the best part of 10 weeks in the 'bubble' -- their attitude and effort has been fantastic," said Silverwood.

"To finish strong tomorrow and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic.&nbsp;I want to win the game. That's my first and foremost."

Pakistan following on, were 100-2 -- still 210 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared -- at the close.

Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, was 29 not out following his first-innings century and Babar Azam unbeaten on four.

Abid, who faced 162 balls, said: "England have a world-class bowling attack but the plan was to bat longer and that's what I did.&nbsp;

"I should have stayed longer.

"Azhar played a good knock in the first innings and Babar is there so we still have hope of finishing on a high," he added.

No paceman has yet reached the landmark figure of 600 Test wickets.

The only bowlers ahead of the 38-year-old Anderson in the all-time list are three retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619).

Anderson started the day in sight of the select group after taking 5-56 -- his 29th five-wicket haul in 156 Tests -- during Pakistan's first-innings 273.

He might even have reached the landmark late on Sunday had not three catches been dropped off his bowling with the new ball.

Pakistan resumed a huge 310 runs behind a total built on Zak Crawley's 267 and Buttler's 152.

Azhar's superb 141 not out kept England at bay after Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday.

And there was more frustration for England when Masood, on three, edged Anderson only for the ball to hit Buttler on the thigh as he failed to get his gloves to a chance far less difficult than several catches he held on Sunday.

"No one means to drop them," said Silverwood. "Last night was gloomy but it's still not an excuse.

"And Jos's wobbled horrible" as it came to him, Silverwood added.&nbsp;

"We're out there every morning. So it's not like they're not working on it (catching)."

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday.

England coach Chris Silverwood urged his side to "finish strong" and help get James Anderson to 600 Test wickets following a frustrating day against Pakistan at Southampton on Monday. Anderson was left just one shy of becoming only the fourth bowler to reach the landmark figure as a combination of poor catching, bad weather and determined Pakistan batting thwarted him on the fourth day of the third Test. Anderson, denied an early breakthrough when Jos Buttler dropped a routine chance to reprieve Shan Masood, returned for a third spell late in the day to have opener Abid Ali lbw for 42 after Masood had fallen lbw, playing no shot, to Stuart Broad. Abid's dismissal took the 38-year-old Anderson to 599 Test wickets. But that was as good as it got for Anderson, who ended a day cut short by bad light and rain with 1-18 from 12 overs. - 'Amazing feat' - "It is a massive achievement," said Silverwood of Anderson's looming milestone. "To have two bowlers above 500 Test wickets (Anderson and Broad) and Jimmy closing in on 600 is an amazing feat." England are 1-0 up in a three-Test campaign and on the verge of a first Test series win against Pakistan in a decade. They beat the West Indies 2-1 in the preceding series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown and are about to conclude a programme of six Tests in seven weeks, all played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic. "I'm very proud of how they've handled themselves, being locked up for the best part of 10 weeks in the 'bubble' -- their attitude and effort has been fantastic," said Silverwood. "To finish strong tomorrow and see Jimmy get his 600th would be fantastic. I want to win the game. That's my first and foremost." Pakistan following on, were 100-2 -- still 210 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared -- at the close. Azhar Ali, the Pakistan captain, was 29 not out following his first-innings century and Babar Azam unbeaten on four. Abid, who faced 162 balls, said: "England have a world-class bowling attack but the plan was to bat longer and that's what I did. "I should have stayed longer. "Azhar played a good knock in the first innings and Babar is there so we still have hope of finishing on a high," he added. No paceman has yet reached the landmark figure of 600 Test wickets. The only bowlers ahead of the 38-year-old Anderson in the all-time list are three retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619). Anderson started the day in sight of the select group after taking 5-56 -- his 29th five-wicket haul in 156 Tests -- during Pakistan's first-innings 273. He might even have reached the landmark late on Sunday had not three catches been dropped off his bowling with the new ball. Pakistan resumed a huge 310 runs behind a total built on Zak Crawley's 267 and Buttler's 152. Azhar's superb 141 not out kept England at bay after Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday. And there was more frustration for England when Masood, on three, edged Anderson only for the ball to hit Buttler on the thigh as he failed to get his gloves to a chance far less difficult than several catches he held on Sunday. "No one means to drop them," said Silverwood. "Last night was gloomy but it's still not an excuse. "And Jos's wobbled horrible" as it came to him, Silverwood added. "We're out there every morning. So it's not like they're not working on it (catching)."

Silverwood urges England to finish strong and see Anderson to 600th Test wickets

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali.

Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday's third day before Azhar's 141 not out guided them to a total of 273.

Rizwan played his part with a defiant 53 during a sixth-wicket partnership of 138 with Azhar that kept England at bay.

Nevertheless, Pakistan were still left a huge 310 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared that saw Zak Crawley, whose 267 was his maiden Test century, and Jos Buttler (152) put on 359 for the fifth wicket. &nbsp;

It was no surprise when, amid an uncertain forecast, England captain Joe Root enforced the follow-on.

But the umpires then decided the light was too dark for Pakistan to begin their second innings even though the Ageas Bowl floodlights were on, a move that ended the day's play.

England great James Anderson took 5-56 as he moved on to 598 Test wickets and the 38-year-old would have become the first paceman to 600 had not three catches been dropped off him after he had taken the new ball. &nbsp;

Pakistan, 1-0 down in a three-match contest and facing a first series defeat by England in a decade, will now do well to escape with a draw.

But wicketkeeper Rizwan, demonstrating the same defiance he'd shown at the crease, told reporters: "We have a few batsmen who can score big, if we can take a 150-run lead then it will be tough for England."

England's Dom Bess, however, said: "We're in a great position. There's a little bit of weather around, but you'd like to think with the bowling attack we have, that we can produce the goods."

<h2>- 'Fighting innings' -</h2>

Under-pressure skipper Azhar had managed just 38 runs in three previous innings this series yet on Sunday he became just the fifth Pakistan batsman to score 6,000 Test runs.

Azhar, an lbw candidate for much of this series, generally kept his head still as he tried to avoid playing round his front pad.

He batted for nearly seven hours, facing 272 balls, with 21 fours in what was his 17th century in 81 Tests.

"If you watched this innings closely, it was a superb innings," said Rizwan. "He worked on his head position...This was a fighting innings."

Anderson, who'd reduced Pakistan to 24-3 overnight, needed just six balls Sunday to have the struggling Asad Shafiq edging limply to Root at first slip.

That took Anderson to 597 Test wickets, with the only bowlers to have taken 600 a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619).

<h2>- 'Anderson's the GOAT' -</h2>

"He's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) isn't he?," said Bess of Anderson. "The GOAT of bowling and England's greatest.

"I guess there was chat about potential retirement and then he comes back and absolutely tears it up. That just shows how good he is."

Bess himself had Fawad Alam well caught by wicketkeeper Buttler who, by his own admission, had under-performed behind the stumps this season.

Rizwan, impressive with both gloves and bat this series, went to a second successive fifty by lofting Bess for six before he was well caught down the legside by Buttler.

"I work hard and I have belief that I carry to the crease," said Rizwan.&nbsp;

"I don't care what the score is and who is bowling because I know I have done the hard work and the Almighty will reward me for my hard work."

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali.

Mohammad Rizwan insisted all was far from lost for Pakistan after they were made to follow-on 310 runs behind in the third Test against England despite a superb unbeaten century from captain Azhar Ali. Pakistan collapsed to 75-5 on Sunday's third day before Azhar's 141 not out guided them to a total of 273. Rizwan played his part with a defiant 53 during a sixth-wicket partnership of 138 with Azhar that kept England at bay. Nevertheless, Pakistan were still left a huge 310 runs behind England's first innings 583-8 declared that saw Zak Crawley, whose 267 was his maiden Test century, and Jos Buttler (152) put on 359 for the fifth wicket. It was no surprise when, amid an uncertain forecast, England captain Joe Root enforced the follow-on. But the umpires then decided the light was too dark for Pakistan to begin their second innings even though the Ageas Bowl floodlights were on, a move that ended the day's play. England great James Anderson took 5-56 as he moved on to 598 Test wickets and the 38-year-old would have become the first paceman to 600 had not three catches been dropped off him after he had taken the new ball. Pakistan, 1-0 down in a three-match contest and facing a first series defeat by England in a decade, will now do well to escape with a draw. But wicketkeeper Rizwan, demonstrating the same defiance he'd shown at the crease, told reporters: "We have a few batsmen who can score big, if we can take a 150-run lead then it will be tough for England." England's Dom Bess, however, said: "We're in a great position. There's a little bit of weather around, but you'd like to think with the bowling attack we have, that we can produce the goods." - 'Fighting innings' - Under-pressure skipper Azhar had managed just 38 runs in three previous innings this series yet on Sunday he became just the fifth Pakistan batsman to score 6,000 Test runs. Azhar, an lbw candidate for much of this series, generally kept his head still as he tried to avoid playing round his front pad. He batted for nearly seven hours, facing 272 balls, with 21 fours in what was his 17th century in 81 Tests. "If you watched this innings closely, it was a superb innings," said Rizwan. "He worked on his head position...This was a fighting innings." Anderson, who'd reduced Pakistan to 24-3 overnight, needed just six balls Sunday to have the struggling Asad Shafiq edging limply to Root at first slip. That took Anderson to 597 Test wickets, with the only bowlers to have taken 600 a trio of retired spinners -- Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan (800 wickets), Australia's Shane Warne (708) and India's Anil Kumble (619). - 'Anderson's the GOAT' - "He's the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) isn't he?," said Bess of Anderson. "The GOAT of bowling and England's greatest. "I guess there was chat about potential retirement and then he comes back and absolutely tears it up. That just shows how good he is." Bess himself had Fawad Alam well caught by wicketkeeper Buttler who, by his own admission, had under-performed behind the stumps this season. Rizwan, impressive with both gloves and bat this series, went to a second successive fifty by lofting Bess for six before he was well caught down the legside by Buttler. "I work hard and I have belief that I carry to the crease," said Rizwan. "I don't care what the score is and who is bowling because I know I have done the hard work and the Almighty will reward me for my hard work."

Rizwan adamant Pakistan can save Test despite following-on 310 runs behind England

England captain Joe Root said on Thursday he wants his players to give it their all in the third Test with Pakistan which gets underway this week as it could be their last for a while.

England lead 1-0 and have to avoid defeat at the Ageas Bowl on Friday to seal what would be their first series win over Pakistan in 10 years.

It would make it a perfect summer having beaten the West Indies 2-1 earlier in the season.

England 's next scheduled Test series is in India in the new year but the coronavirus pandemic may make that impossible -- playing it in the United Arab Emirates could be a possibility.

However, Root says the players should perform as if this is the last Test till next summer and "leave no stone unturned." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"My message to the guys today was quite simple really," he said at his eve of match press conference.

"We don't know when the next time is that we'll play Test cricket.

"Let's make sure we leave no stones unturned and we give everything to each other and the badge going into this last game.

"I fully expect everyone to give everything over the next five days and make sure we give ourselves the best chance of finishing the series 2-0."

Root, who missed their only Test defeat of the summer in the first clash with the West Indies due to becoming a father, said even playing without spectators beat what he feared might happen at the beginning of the season.

"We feel extremely lucky to have got the opportunity to play right now," said the 29-year-old.

"At the start of the summer, we were dreading the thought of not seeing any international cricket."

Root paid tribute to both the West Indies and Pakistan for agreeing to tour and having to live in a bubble to reduce the risk of them getting the virus.

"Credit to both touring teams for coming over and giving us that opportunity to play, and to both boards," said Root.

"It's been amazing to be a part of this experience. Hopefully we can have a great finish to it.

"There's been some really exciting games and I think it's made for some entertaining viewing at times."

England captain Joe Root said on Thursday he wants his players to give it their all in the third Test with Pakistan which gets underway this week as it could be their last for a while.

England captain Joe Root said on Thursday he wants his players to give it their all in the third Test with Pakistan which gets underway this week as it could be their last for a while. England lead 1-0 and have to avoid defeat at the Ageas Bowl on Friday to seal what would be their first series win over Pakistan in 10 years. It would make it a perfect summer having beaten the West Indies 2-1 earlier in the season. England 's next scheduled Test series is in India in the new year but the coronavirus pandemic may make that impossible -- playing it in the United Arab Emirates could be a possibility. However, Root says the players should perform as if this is the last Test till next summer and "leave no stone unturned." "My message to the guys today was quite simple really," he said at his eve of match press conference. "We don't know when the next time is that we'll play Test cricket. "Let's make sure we leave no stones unturned and we give everything to each other and the badge going into this last game. "I fully expect everyone to give everything over the next five days and make sure we give ourselves the best chance of finishing the series 2-0." Root, who missed their only Test defeat of the summer in the first clash with the West Indies due to becoming a father, said even playing without spectators beat what he feared might happen at the beginning of the season. "We feel extremely lucky to have got the opportunity to play right now," said the 29-year-old. "At the start of the summer, we were dreading the thought of not seeing any international cricket." Root paid tribute to both the West Indies and Pakistan for agreeing to tour and having to live in a bubble to reduce the risk of them getting the virus. "Credit to both touring teams for coming over and giving us that opportunity to play, and to both boards," said Root. "It's been amazing to be a part of this experience. Hopefully we can have a great finish to it. "There's been some really exciting games and I think it's made for some entertaining viewing at times."

ENG vs PAK: No holding back Root tells his players

Zak Crawley struck his maiden Test century after Pakistan saw off England captain Joe Root on the opening day of the series finale at Southampton on Friday.

Crawley, 97 not out at tea, took two down to fine leg off Mohammad Abbas before an offside glide off the paceman saw him to a 171-ball hundred, including 11 fours in what was his eighth Test.

This was just the fourth first-class century of the 22-year-old right-hander's career and it was an especially valuable innings, with no other England batsman having made more than Root's 29 as they reached tea on 184-4.

Yasir Shah had interval figures of 2-60 from 19 overs -- a fine return for a leg-spinner on the first day of a Test.&nbsp;

England, 1-0 up in a three-match contest, need to avoid defeat if they are to win their first series against Pakistan in 10 years.

They suffered an early setback when Rory Burns nicked a full-length ball from fellow left-hander Shaheen Afridi that moved away late, with Shan Masood holding a good low catch at fourth slip.&nbsp;

Burns stood his ground but replays confirmed it was a fair catch and he was out for six, the batsman now averaging a lowly five from four innings in a tough series for openers.

Crawley, fresh from his 53 in the second innings of the drawn and second Test at Southampton, a match marred by bad weather, cut Yasir for four and glanced fast bowler Naseem Shah for another boundary.

But a second-wicket stand worth of 61 ended when Dom Sibley, going down the pitch to Yasir, was given out lbw for 22.

Sibley reviewed but, once again this season, a decision by umpire Michael Gough was upheld, with tracking technology indicating the ball would have hit middle stump.

Crawley brought up an 80-ball fifty off the last ball of the session when, tempted to drive after Pakistan reinforced the slip cordon, he struck Afridi to long-off for a stylish four .

England 91-2 at lunch, lost two wickets early in the second session to be 127-4.

<h2>- Naseem gets Root -</h2>

There was little Root could do on 29 when a full-length delivery from teenage paceman Naseem seamed away late to take the outside edge, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan holding a fine diving catch.

Ollie Pope was then once again this series undone by Yasir's quicker delivery when clean bowled for three hanging back in the crease. &nbsp;

But Crawley surpassed his previous Test-best of 76, which he made last month against the West Indies at Southampton.

England made just one change to their second Test team, with fast bowler Jofra Archer replacing Sam Curran.

Left-arm seamer Curran had been brought into the side in place of Ben Stokes, with the star all-rounder missing the last two Tests of the series to be with his ill father in New Zealand.

Pakistan were unchanged for another match being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus.

Zak Crawley struck his maiden Test century after Pakistan saw off England captain Joe Root on the opening day of the series finale at Southampton on Friday. Crawley, 97 not out at tea, took two down to fine leg off Mohammad Abbas before an offside glide off the paceman saw him to a 171-ball hundred, including 11 fours in what was his eighth Test.

Zak Crawley struck his maiden Test century after Pakistan saw off England captain Joe Root on the opening day of the series finale at Southampton on Friday. Crawley, 97 not out at tea, took two down to fine leg off Mohammad Abbas before an offside glide off the paceman saw him to a 171-ball hundred, including 11 fours in what was his eighth Test. This was just the fourth first-class century of the 22-year-old right-hander's career and it was an especially valuable innings, with no other England batsman having made more than Root's 29 as they reached tea on 184-4. Yasir Shah had interval figures of 2-60 from 19 overs -- a fine return for a leg-spinner on the first day of a Test. England, 1-0 up in a three-match contest, need to avoid defeat if they are to win their first series against Pakistan in 10 years. They suffered an early setback when Rory Burns nicked a full-length ball from fellow left-hander Shaheen Afridi that moved away late, with Shan Masood holding a good low catch at fourth slip. Burns stood his ground but replays confirmed it was a fair catch and he was out for six, the batsman now averaging a lowly five from four innings in a tough series for openers. Crawley, fresh from his 53 in the second innings of the drawn and second Test at Southampton, a match marred by bad weather, cut Yasir for four and glanced fast bowler Naseem Shah for another boundary. But a second-wicket stand worth of 61 ended when Dom Sibley, going down the pitch to Yasir, was given out lbw for 22. Sibley reviewed but, once again this season, a decision by umpire Michael Gough was upheld, with tracking technology indicating the ball would have hit middle stump. Crawley brought up an 80-ball fifty off the last ball of the session when, tempted to drive after Pakistan reinforced the slip cordon, he struck Afridi to long-off for a stylish four . England 91-2 at lunch, lost two wickets early in the second session to be 127-4. - Naseem gets Root - There was little Root could do on 29 when a full-length delivery from teenage paceman Naseem seamed away late to take the outside edge, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan holding a fine diving catch. Ollie Pope was then once again this series undone by Yasir's quicker delivery when clean bowled for three hanging back in the crease. But Crawley surpassed his previous Test-best of 76, which he made last month against the West Indies at Southampton. England made just one change to their second Test team, with fast bowler Jofra Archer replacing Sam Curran. Left-arm seamer Curran had been brought into the side in place of Ben Stokes, with the star all-rounder missing the last two Tests of the series to be with his ill father in New Zealand. Pakistan were unchanged for another match being played behind closed doors because of the coronavirus.

England's Crawley hits maiden Test century as Pakistan dismiss Root

Pakistan head into Friday's third Test at Southampton facing a first series defeat against England in 10 years.

The tourists are 1-0 down in a three-match campaign after a three-wicket defeat in the first Test at Old Trafford, a match where Pakistan were on top until the closing stages, was followed by a draw in a second Test at Southampton where neither side had a chance of victory in a match blighted by bad weather.

There had been concerns that, as happened to the West Indies' fast bowlers during their 2-1 defeat by England in a preceding behind closed door series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown, Pakistan's quicks would be worn out by three back-to-back Tests.

But the lack of action in the second match --&nbsp;Pakistan had bowled just 43.1 overs in England's first innings when a draw was agreed -- should mean a first-choice pace attack of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah are all fit and firing for Friday's finale at the Ageas Bowl.

Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq was confident fatigue would not have been an issue in any event, with the former captain, in a blog for the Pakistan Cricket Board's website, writing that "fitness has been an important part of our strategy as a team" since he took charge in September.&nbsp;

Despite little play in the second Test, Misbah was heartened by the determination of Mohammad Rizwan, who top-scored with 72, the resilience of Pakistan's top-order in "testing conditions" and the fact an attack featuring leg-spinner Yasir Shah took four wickets.

<h2>- 'Big game' -</h2>

"The seamers also bowled really well...That last session, even as the game drifted towards a draw, gives us a lot of confidence going into the last Test," Misbah added. "It's a big game and we want to end the series on a good note."

Meanwhile England face another selection dilemma.

There will be a strong temptation to stick with the tried and tested pace trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, so effective in the kind of overcast English conditions that are likely to be a factor in the third Test as they were in the second.&nbsp;

But with English cricket constantly obsessing about the next Ashes series, a 2021/22 tour of Australia, team management would like to give express fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood more Test-match game time before they head 'Down Under'.&nbsp;

"It's very difficult," said England coach Chris Silverwood.

"You look at what you need for the here and now and you look down the line for what we potentially need (in Australia).

"It's a difficult balance to get...There's various factors we look at and pace is one of them: it's pace, movement, bounce, left or right arm...all these things come into account."

Another, immediate, issue is that Friday's match could be played on a used pitch if the weather means the Ageas Bowl ground staff do not have enough time to prepare a fresh surface after the second Test finished on Monday.

The delays in that match, including stoppages for bad light when the floodlights were on full beam, could see the currently rigid 11:00am local (1000 GMT) start time for a Test in England brought forward, as happens in other countries where there is a more flexible approach.

"The earlier start time makes a lot of sense to me," said Silverwood, with both England and Pakistan staying in 'bio-secure' onsite hotels. "What is the harm in starting at 10:30am (0930 GMT)?&nbsp;

"But I've had no official word it'll happen.

"We're all here anyway. We're all on the ground, so it wouldn't be very difficult to make it happen."

Pakistan head into Friday's third Test at Southampton facing a first series defeat against England in 10 years. The tourists are 1-0 down in a three-match campaign after a three-wicket defeat in the first Test at Old Trafford, a match where Pakistan were on top until the closing stages, was followed by a draw in a second Test at Southampton where neither side had a chance of victory in a match blighted by bad weather.

Pakistan head into Friday's third Test at Southampton facing a first series defeat against England in 10 years. The tourists are 1-0 down in a three-match campaign after a three-wicket defeat in the first Test at Old Trafford, a match where Pakistan were on top until the closing stages, was followed by a draw in a second Test at Southampton where neither side had a chance of victory in a match blighted by bad weather. There had been concerns that, as happened to the West Indies' fast bowlers during their 2-1 defeat by England in a preceding behind closed door series that marked international cricket's return from lockdown, Pakistan's quicks would be worn out by three back-to-back Tests. But the lack of action in the second match -- Pakistan had bowled just 43.1 overs in England's first innings when a draw was agreed -- should mean a first-choice pace attack of Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas and Naseem Shah are all fit and firing for Friday's finale at the Ageas Bowl. Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq was confident fatigue would not have been an issue in any event, with the former captain, in a blog for the Pakistan Cricket Board's website, writing that "fitness has been an important part of our strategy as a team" since he took charge in September. Despite little play in the second Test, Misbah was heartened by the determination of Mohammad Rizwan, who top-scored with 72, the resilience of Pakistan's top-order in "testing conditions" and the fact an attack featuring leg-spinner Yasir Shah took four wickets. - 'Big game' - "The seamers also bowled really well...That last session, even as the game drifted towards a draw, gives us a lot of confidence going into the last Test," Misbah added. "It's a big game and we want to end the series on a good note." Meanwhile England face another selection dilemma. There will be a strong temptation to stick with the tried and tested pace trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, so effective in the kind of overcast English conditions that are likely to be a factor in the third Test as they were in the second. But with English cricket constantly obsessing about the next Ashes series, a 2021/22 tour of Australia, team management would like to give express fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood more Test-match game time before they head 'Down Under'. "It's very difficult," said England coach Chris Silverwood. "You look at what you need for the here and now and you look down the line for what we potentially need (in Australia). "It's a difficult balance to get...There's various factors we look at and pace is one of them: it's pace, movement, bounce, left or right arm...all these things come into account." Another, immediate, issue is that Friday's match could be played on a used pitch if the weather means the Ageas Bowl ground staff do not have enough time to prepare a fresh surface after the second Test finished on Monday. The delays in that match, including stoppages for bad light when the floodlights were on full beam, could see the currently rigid 11:00am local (1000 GMT) start time for a Test in England brought forward, as happens in other countries where there is a more flexible approach. "The earlier start time makes a lot of sense to me," said Silverwood, with both England and Pakistan staying in 'bio-secure' onsite hotels. "What is the harm in starting at 10:30am (0930 GMT)? "But I've had no official word it'll happen. "We're all here anyway. We're all on the ground, so it wouldn't be very difficult to make it happen."

Pakistan's 10-year run under threat in final Test

Following positive discussions with the England &amp; Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), led by Match Referee Chris Broad and various stakeholders including broadcast partners, the ECB and the ICC have agreed to revised start times ahead of the third Test between England and Pakistan starting on Friday at the Ageas Bowl.

The flexible approach will enable the prospect of making up time for inclement weather during the morning session of subsequent days rather than at the end of the day.

The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so. The safety of the players is still the number one priority for this protocol.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-shares-heartfelt-letter-penned-by-pm-narendra-modi-after-retirement-call-321898" hreflang="en">MS Dhoni shares heartfelt letter penned by PM Narendra Modi after retirement call</a>

The revised start times have been agreed with the captains and coaches of both England and Pakistan and will be implemented for the final match of the ongoing series.

ECB further said consideration will be given to applying these changes further at future series played in England.

<h2>Revised Playing Times Due to Bad Weather</h2>

After the conclusion of play on Day 1, the ICC Match Referee, Groundstaff and the ECB Match Manager will meet to discuss the start times for the next day.

If the forecast looks good in the morning, it will be an option to commence play at 10.30am and that final decision will be made by the ICC Match Referee, Chris Broad.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cpl-2020-brilliant-bowlers-and-red-hot-hetmyer-get-the-job-done-for-guyana-amazon-warriors-321876" hreflang="en">CPL 2020: Brilliant bowlers and red-hot Hetmyer get the job done for Guyana Amazon Warriors</a>

The Match Referee will confirm the revised playing times, with the most likely scenario of amending to:

<ul>
	<li>10.30am start with 98 overs to be bowled in the day</li>
	<li>6.00pm scheduled close of play</li>
	<li>6.30pm extra 30 mins to bowl overs</li>
	<li>7.00pm cut off for extra time for bad weather during the day</li>
	<li>The morning session would last two and a half hours if the start time was adjusted.</li>
</ul>

The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so. The safety of the players is still the number one priority for the latest protocol. 
&nbsp;

Following positive discussions with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), led by Match Referee Chris Broad and various stakeholders including broadcast partners, the ECB and the ICC have agreed to revised start times ahead of the third Test between England and Pakistan starting on Friday at the Ageas Bowl.

Following positive discussions with the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), led by Match Referee Chris Broad and various stakeholders including broadcast partners, the ECB and the ICC have agreed to revised start times ahead of the third Test between England and Pakistan starting on Friday at the Ageas Bowl. The flexible approach will enable the prospect of making up time for inclement weather during the morning session of subsequent days rather than at the end of the day. The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so. The safety of the players is still the number one priority for this protocol. ALSO READ: MS Dhoni shares heartfelt letter penned by PM Narendra Modi after retirement call The revised start times have been agreed with the captains and coaches of both England and Pakistan and will be implemented for the final match of the ongoing series. ECB further said consideration will be given to applying these changes further at future series played in England. Revised Playing Times Due to Bad Weather After the conclusion of play on Day 1, the ICC Match Referee, Groundstaff and the ECB Match Manager will meet to discuss the start times for the next day. If the forecast looks good in the morning, it will be an option to commence play at 10.30am and that final decision will be made by the ICC Match Referee, Chris Broad. ALSO READ: CPL 2020: Brilliant bowlers and red-hot Hetmyer get the job done for Guyana Amazon Warriors The Match Referee will confirm the revised playing times, with the most likely scenario of amending to: 10.30am start with 98 overs to be bowled in the day 6.00pm scheduled close of play 6.30pm extra 30 mins to bowl overs 7.00pm cut off for extra time for bad weather during the day The morning session would last two and a half hours if the start time was adjusted. The match officials will ensure that light is monitored to maximise playing time while it is still safe to do so. The safety of the players is still the number one priority for the latest protocol.

England, Pakistan agree to revised start times for series finale