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

England Test captain Joe Root has thrown his weight behind the underfire Pakistani team amid ‘lack of fight’ criticism. Root said it's ‘disrespectful’ to accuse the touring side of not showing stomach for a battle so far in this Test series, having trailed by 2-0, with one match to go. Pakistan will head into the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday having faced severe punishment for the Lord’s Test defeat, with the PCB dropping seven first-squad players and releasing the head coach (Sarfaraz Ahmed) and bowling coach (Umar Gul) midway through the series. &nbsp;The PCB called up seven players for the final Test, including five uncapped cricketers, and white-ball coaches (Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke) for the final Test. &nbsp;This team, however, has also been labelled as the worst Pakistan side to tour England.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bazid-khan-accuses-ecb-pitch-bias-india-pakistan-tests-1788870161580">Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, Root addressed all the drama during the pre-match presser in Edgbaston, saying, "Absolutely we have found (Pakistan) a challenge." &nbsp;"I think that's a bit disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team," added Root, in his second spell as full-time England skipper following the shock international retirement of Ben Stokes. &nbsp;"I don't think we've allowed them to get into games because of how well we've played as well and how quickly we've read the situations and the surfaces that we've had. &nbsp;"I think it's very easy to say one team is excellent and one team is poor. Normally it's somewhere in the middle." &nbsp;"If one team has been outstanding, then the other team can't have been poor and vice-versa. I think it's important to live in that middle area somewhere and understand that that's not how it is. &nbsp;"Regardless of what's happened over the last two games, this week it's a completely different proposition for us. &nbsp;"There's a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and you've got to be ready for it, so we'll make sure that we are,” Root said. &nbsp;Pakistan lost the series opener in Leeds by an innings and 103 runs, and suffered another embarrassing loss in the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs. Amid the leadership drama, with two separate captains leading the Test team in the first two matches, Pakistan failed to cross 200 in any of the four innings they played.&nbsp;

England captain Joe Root has defended Pakistan against claims of lacking fight, calling such accusations disrespectful ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.

England Test captain Joe Root has thrown his weight behind the underfire Pakistani team amid ‘lack of fight’ criticism. Root said it's ‘disrespectful’ to accuse the touring side of not showing stomach for a battle so far in this Test series, having trailed by 2-0, with one match to go. Pakistan will head into the third and final Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday having faced severe punishment for the Lord’s Test defeat, with the PCB dropping seven first-squad players and releasing the head coach (Sarfaraz Ahmed) and bowling coach (Umar Gul) midway through the series. The PCB called up seven players for the final Test, including five uncapped cricketers, and white-ball coaches (Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke) for the final Test. This team, however, has also been labelled as the worst Pakistan side to tour England. Also read| Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value Meanwhile, Root addressed all the drama during the pre-match presser in Edgbaston, saying, "Absolutely we have found (Pakistan) a challenge." "I think that's a bit disrespectful to both Pakistan as a team and to us as a team," added Root, in his second spell as full-time England skipper following the shock international retirement of Ben Stokes. "I don't think we've allowed them to get into games because of how well we've played as well and how quickly we've read the situations and the surfaces that we've had. "I think it's very easy to say one team is excellent and one team is poor. Normally it's somewhere in the middle." "If one team has been outstanding, then the other team can't have been poor and vice-versa. I think it's important to live in that middle area somewhere and understand that that's not how it is. "Regardless of what's happened over the last two games, this week it's a completely different proposition for us. "There's a very talented group of players in that dressing room, and you've got to be ready for it, so we'll make sure that we are,” Root said. Pakistan lost the series opener in Leeds by an innings and 103 runs, and suffered another embarrassing loss in the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs. Amid the leadership drama, with two separate captains leading the Test team in the first two matches, Pakistan failed to cross 200 in any of the four innings they played.

England captain Joe Root has defended Pakistan against claims of lacking fight, calling such accusations disrespectful ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.

‘Disrespectful’: England captain Joe Root defends Pakistan against ‘lack of fight’ criticism

Former Pakistan captain and bowling great Wasim Akram is the latest high-profile player to comment on Imran Khan’s deteriorating health. Having played with and under Imran and won Pakistan’s only 50-over World Cup in 1992, Wasim called his mentor Imran a friend, adding that he misses him a lot and hasn’t spoken with him in three years. After several of his former teammates, including Javed Miandad, Moin Khan and others, demanded medical attention for the former captain, Wasim joined a growing chorus of international figures, adding that whatever has happened to him has been unfortunate. &nbsp;"He's my friend, I miss him a lot," Akram said in an exclusive chat with The Athletic. "I haven't spoken to him for three years. It's so unfortunate, politically, what's happening with him. The court of law is the court of law. But as far as his health is concerned, there can be no compromise on that."&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bazid-khan-accuses-ecb-pitch-bias-india-pakistan-tests-1788870161580">Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value</a> &nbsp;Meanwhile, 22 international captains wrote an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, asking for Imran’s basic dignity and needs to be respected, including allowing him access to his personal doctor and his family members. While Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also became the first active cricketer to speak in support of Imran Khan, who has been behind bars at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since late 2023, batting giant Brian Lara took to his social media to call Imran a ‘legend of our game’, who deserved basic humanity.<h2>Akram on Sky Sports Interview Controversy</h2>Just ahead of the start of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, Sky Sports interviewed Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, and teased its telecast during lunch on day one. That decision created quite a stir in Pakistan, as reports suggesting that the touring team decided not to take the field after lunch, should the interview go live, began making headlines. &nbsp;With PTV in Pakistan using Sky’s live feed for telecasting the Test series, they did not run the interview after the first session and instead ran commercials for nearly half an hour. &nbsp;Speaking on the reaction back home to that interview, Wasim said, "There was a bit of uproar here [in Pakistan] after that. I then read that the Pakistani government came up with how many visits Imran has had, with all the numbers included, with all the phone calls he has had. But, you know, it's difficult to believe, and hard to know what to believe right now. &nbsp;"Even after we retired, him and me, we were regularly in touch. I used to go and spend time with him. I miss talking to him. I miss him in general as a friend, politics apart,” Akram said. &nbsp;Setting aside politics and vendettas, Wasim said he spoke from his heart, and as a friend, about Imran.&nbsp; &nbsp;"There's a movement in England and elsewhere [to improve Imran's conditions], but here [in Pakistan]? I'm not so sure," said Wasim. "I'm speaking from the heart as someone who is worried about him as a person. Convicted or not convicted. Jail or no jail. We need to safeguard his health. We don't know what's happening; the government are saying his health apparently is fine. But I'm worried. I miss him a lot,” he continued.

Wasim Akram has spoken out regarding Imran Khan's health in prison, calling him a mentor and friend while expressing concern following the Sky Sports Lord's Test interview.

Former Pakistan captain and bowling great Wasim Akram is the latest high-profile player to comment on Imran Khan’s deteriorating health. Having played with and under Imran and won Pakistan’s only 50-over World Cup in 1992, Wasim called his mentor Imran a friend, adding that he misses him a lot and hasn’t spoken with him in three years. After several of his former teammates, including Javed Miandad, Moin Khan and others, demanded medical attention for the former captain, Wasim joined a growing chorus of international figures, adding that whatever has happened to him has been unfortunate. "He's my friend, I miss him a lot," Akram said in an exclusive chat with The Athletic. "I haven't spoken to him for three years. It's so unfortunate, politically, what's happening with him. The court of law is the court of law. But as far as his health is concerned, there can be no compromise on that." Also read| Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value Meanwhile, 22 international captains wrote an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, asking for Imran’s basic dignity and needs to be respected, including allowing him access to his personal doctor and his family members. While Australian Test captain Pat Cummins also became the first active cricketer to speak in support of Imran Khan, who has been behind bars at Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi since late 2023, batting giant Brian Lara took to his social media to call Imran a ‘legend of our game’, who deserved basic humanity. Akram on Sky Sports Interview Controversy Just ahead of the start of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, Sky Sports interviewed Imran Khan’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, and teased its telecast during lunch on day one. That decision created quite a stir in Pakistan, as reports suggesting that the touring team decided not to take the field after lunch, should the interview go live, began making headlines. With PTV in Pakistan using Sky’s live feed for telecasting the Test series, they did not run the interview after the first session and instead ran commercials for nearly half an hour. Speaking on the reaction back home to that interview, Wasim said, "There was a bit of uproar here [in Pakistan] after that. I then read that the Pakistani government came up with how many visits Imran has had, with all the numbers included, with all the phone calls he has had. But, you know, it's difficult to believe, and hard to know what to believe right now. "Even after we retired, him and me, we were regularly in touch. I used to go and spend time with him. I miss talking to him. I miss him in general as a friend, politics apart,” Akram said. Setting aside politics and vendettas, Wasim said he spoke from his heart, and as a friend, about Imran. "There's a movement in England and elsewhere [to improve Imran's conditions], but here [in Pakistan]? I'm not so sure," said Wasim. "I'm speaking from the heart as someone who is worried about him as a person. Convicted or not convicted. Jail or no jail. We need to safeguard his health. We don't know what's happening; the government are saying his health apparently is fine. But I'm worried. I miss him a lot,” he continued.

Wasim Akram has spoken out regarding Imran Khan's health in prison, calling him a mentor and friend while expressing concern following the Sky Sports Lord's Test interview.

‘I miss him a lot; he is my mentor’: Wasim Akram breaks silence on Imran Khan’s health

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias following Pakistan’s Test series loss in England. Bazid's comments come amid a turbulent week for Pakistan cricket and selectors, following the PCB's internal investigation into dressing room conduct, which is further linked to match- and spot-fixing allegations. Since losing the Lord’s Test by 194 runs, which led to seven first-squad players facing the axe and two top coaches being released, the former Pakistan cricketer touched on another topic and brought India into the conversation. &nbsp;Bazid said that, for the commercial value India brings to the table, they often get pitches where the matches last all five days, while that is not the case when other teams, including Pakistan, tour England for the Test series. Bazid’s comments have come on the back of Pakistan’s horror show thus far against England, having failed to cross 200 across four innings in two contested Tests.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/deflated-me-mentally-ex-pak-coach-gillespie-slams-aaqib-javed-s-intereference-claims-pcb-owes-him-money-1788860291800">'Deflated me mentally': Ex-Pak coach Gillespie slams Aaqib Javed's interference, claims PCB owes him money</a>&nbsp; &nbsp;“When India go to England for a Test series, they get pitches that make the game last all five days. Every Test match with India lasts five days. Why? Because if it ends early, there will be a financial hit to the wallet of the board. Any other team goes to England, the Test ends in three days. It’s not like the nature of the pitch changed. You are creating pitches that way that the game would last five days for India games,” Bazid said on OutSide EDGE. &nbsp;He, however, put every country that hosts India in the same bracket as that of England. &nbsp;“When India come for a tour, it’s a money-making opportunity,” he added.&nbsp; &nbsp;When he was asked if the apex body (ICC) should look into this, Bazid said, “This is not an ICC call. These are bilateral tours.” &nbsp;Meanwhile, India’s last tour of England, consisting of five Tests, spanned all 25 days, with cricket being played on all days of each Test. Elsewhere, Pakistan’s ongoing tour saw them play only seven days across two Tests. The series opener at Headingley in Leeds wrapped up within three days, with Pakistan suffering an innings and 103-run defeat; the second Test lasted four days, with the visitors facing another crushing loss. &nbsp;Edgbaston, Birmingham, will host the third and final Test starting Wednesday (Sep 9).

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias, alleging host boards prepare 5-day tracks for India for commercial gain while giving Pakistan 3-day pitches.

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias following Pakistan’s Test series loss in England. Bazid's comments come amid a turbulent week for Pakistan cricket and selectors, following the PCB's internal investigation into dressing room conduct, which is further linked to match- and spot-fixing allegations. Since losing the Lord’s Test by 194 runs, which led to seven first-squad players facing the axe and two top coaches being released, the former Pakistan cricketer touched on another topic and brought India into the conversation. Bazid said that, for the commercial value India brings to the table, they often get pitches where the matches last all five days, while that is not the case when other teams, including Pakistan, tour England for the Test series. Bazid’s comments have come on the back of Pakistan’s horror show thus far against England, having failed to cross 200 across four innings in two contested Tests. Also read| 'Deflated me mentally': Ex-Pak coach Gillespie slams Aaqib Javed's interference, claims PCB owes him money “When India go to England for a Test series, they get pitches that make the game last all five days. Every Test match with India lasts five days. Why? Because if it ends early, there will be a financial hit to the wallet of the board. Any other team goes to England, the Test ends in three days. It’s not like the nature of the pitch changed. You are creating pitches that way that the game would last five days for India games,” Bazid said on OutSide EDGE. He, however, put every country that hosts India in the same bracket as that of England. “When India come for a tour, it’s a money-making opportunity,” he added. When he was asked if the apex body (ICC) should look into this, Bazid said, “This is not an ICC call. These are bilateral tours.” Meanwhile, India’s last tour of England, consisting of five Tests, spanned all 25 days, with cricket being played on all days of each Test. Elsewhere, Pakistan’s ongoing tour saw them play only seven days across two Tests. The series opener at Headingley in Leeds wrapped up within three days, with Pakistan suffering an innings and 103-run defeat; the second Test lasted four days, with the visitors facing another crushing loss. Edgbaston, Birmingham, will host the third and final Test starting Wednesday (Sep 9).

Former Pakistan batter Bazid Khan has accused the ECB of pitch bias, alleging host boards prepare 5-day tracks for India for commercial gain while giving Pakistan 3-day pitches.

Bazid Khan accuses ECB of pitch bias; claims India get 5-day tracks for commercial value

Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted that poor batting was the main reason for their 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s, while praising Saud Shakeel and Mohammed Abbas for their individual performances. After the defeat, Babar explained that Pakistan decided to bowl first after winning the toss in an attempt to take advantage of the conditions, however, their batters failed to make the most of their chances in both innings.&nbsp;“I think we won the toss and bowled first, and we tried to utilise the conditions. Then, the batting was not up to the mark. Second innings again, bowling…Abbas was outstanding. Batting again collapsed,” Babar said during the post-match presentation.&nbsp;The Pakistan skipper also praised Saud Shakeel for his determined effort during the run chase. He said the batter showed “class and determination” while attempting to build a partnership.&nbsp;“I think Saud showed class and determination. We just followed our plans and tried to build a partnership, but unfortunately we didn’t have partnerships,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-wtc-2025-27-points-table-after-england-beat-pakistan-by-194-runs-1788144443710">Updated WTC 2025-27 points table after England beat Pakistan by 194 runs</a>&nbsp;Babar also highlighted Mohammed Abbas’ five-wicket haul in the second innings and described it as a special achievement at the historic Lord’s venue.&nbsp;“I think a Lord’s five-for is a memorable moment for Abbas. To be honest, we’re trying to do our best with both batting and bowling,” Babar said.&nbsp;In the match, England’s bowlers Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer broke down Pakistan’s batting order as the visitors were dismissed for 194 while chasing 389. Robinson was the star performer, finishing with match figures of 8/35 and winning the Player of the Match award.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/women-s-asia-cup-2026-shafali-deepti-shine-as-india-beat-thailand-by-94-runs-1788113292432">Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Shafali, Deepti shine as India beat Thailand by 94 runs</a>&nbsp;Earlier, England recovered after Pakistan reduced them to 77/4 in the first innings. Jordan Cox scored 55 and Jamie Smith made 61 to steady the innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;Gus Atkinson contributed 45, while Josh Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 as England reached 290.&nbsp;For Pakistan, Mohammed Abbas took 4/73 and Mohammed Ali returned figures of 3/86. However, Pakistan’s batting struggled badly and they were bowled out for just 110.&nbsp;Robinson took four wickets, while Archer and Tongue claimed three and two wickets respectively, giving England a first-innings lead of 180 runs.&nbsp;England then scored 208 in their second innings to set Pakistan a target of 389. Dan Lawrence top-scored with 54, while Abbas took five wickets for the visitors.&nbsp;Pakistan lost early wickets during the chase before Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel put together a 97-run partnership to give their team hope. Shakeel fought hard for his 97, but England’s bowlers continued to dominate and dismissed Pakistan for 194.&nbsp;&nbsp;With inputs from agencies

Babar Azam pointed to Pakistan’s batting failure as the key reason behind their 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam admitted that poor batting was the main reason for their 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord’s, while praising Saud Shakeel and Mohammed Abbas for their individual performances. After the defeat, Babar explained that Pakistan decided to bowl first after winning the toss in an attempt to take advantage of the conditions, however, their batters failed to make the most of their chances in both innings. “I think we won the toss and bowled first, and we tried to utilise the conditions. Then, the batting was not up to the mark. Second innings again, bowling…Abbas was outstanding. Batting again collapsed,” Babar said during the post-match presentation. The Pakistan skipper also praised Saud Shakeel for his determined effort during the run chase. He said the batter showed “class and determination” while attempting to build a partnership. “I think Saud showed class and determination. We just followed our plans and tried to build a partnership, but unfortunately we didn’t have partnerships,” he added. Also Read - Updated WTC 2025-27 points table after England beat Pakistan by 194 runs Babar also highlighted Mohammed Abbas’ five-wicket haul in the second innings and described it as a special achievement at the historic Lord’s venue. “I think a Lord’s five-for is a memorable moment for Abbas. To be honest, we’re trying to do our best with both batting and bowling,” Babar said. In the match, England’s bowlers Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer broke down Pakistan’s batting order as the visitors were dismissed for 194 while chasing 389. Robinson was the star performer, finishing with match figures of 8/35 and winning the Player of the Match award. Also Read - Women’s Asia Cup 2026: Shafali, Deepti shine as India beat Thailand by 94 runs Earlier, England recovered after Pakistan reduced them to 77/4 in the first innings. Jordan Cox scored 55 and Jamie Smith made 61 to steady the innings. Gus Atkinson contributed 45, while Josh Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 as England reached 290. For Pakistan, Mohammed Abbas took 4/73 and Mohammed Ali returned figures of 3/86. However, Pakistan’s batting struggled badly and they were bowled out for just 110. Robinson took four wickets, while Archer and Tongue claimed three and two wickets respectively, giving England a first-innings lead of 180 runs. England then scored 208 in their second innings to set Pakistan a target of 389. Dan Lawrence top-scored with 54, while Abbas took five wickets for the visitors. Pakistan lost early wickets during the chase before Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel put together a 97-run partnership to give their team hope. Shakeel fought hard for his 97, but England’s bowlers continued to dominate and dismissed Pakistan for 194. With inputs from agencies

Babar Azam pointed to Pakistan’s batting failure as the key reason behind their 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s.

'Batting was not up to the mark': Babar Azam on Pakistan’s Test loss to England

England star Joe Root on Friday (Aug 21) has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with most catches in Test cricket history. Root achieved the feat on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, Leeds, with a stunning catch at leg slip to dismiss Azan Awais off Jofra Archer.&nbsp;&nbsp;The dismissal came after a smart fielding plan between Root and Archer. A few balls earlier, Root had suggested adding a leg slip and short leg and Archer then bowled one that moved sharply into Awais. The Pakistan batter tried to guide it towards fine leg, but the ball took the inside edge and went straight to Root at leg slip.&nbsp;The catch took Root’s tally to 219 catches in 169* Test matches. Smith is second with 218 catches from 124 matches, while India legend Rahul Dravid is third with 210 catches in 164 matches. &nbsp;<h3>Most catches by a fielder in Test cricket</h3><ul><li>219 - Joe Root* (England)</li><li>218 - Steve Smith (Australia)</li><li>&nbsp;210 - Rahul Dravid (India)</li><li>205 - Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka)</li><li>200 - Jacques Kallis (South Africa)</li></ul>Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/here-we-go-carlos-alcaraz-announces-us-open-return-following-wrist-injury-layoff-1787307631660">'Here we go': Alcaraz announces US Open return following wrist injury layoff</a><h3>England build strong lead at Headingley</h3>Root’s record came as England continued to control the first Test. England were bowled out for 409 early on the third day after starting at 366/8.&nbsp;The hosts added 43 runs to their overnight score, with Jofra Archer contributing a useful 23, including two fours and a six.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/battle-against-fear-nozomi-okuhara-reveals-painful-reason-behind-withdrawal-from-bwf-world-championships-1787308467690">'Battle against fear': Why Okuhara pulled out from BWF World Championships 2026</a>&nbsp;Khurram Shahzad took the final two England wickets, removing Jamie Smith for 25 before bowling Josh Tongue for eight. Shahzad finished with figures of 3/133.&nbsp;England’s first-innings total gave them a huge 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in less than two sessions on the opening day. &nbsp;

Joe Root has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with the most catches in Test cricket history.

England star Joe Root on Friday (Aug 21) has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with most catches in Test cricket history. Root achieved the feat on Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, Leeds, with a stunning catch at leg slip to dismiss Azan Awais off Jofra Archer. The dismissal came after a smart fielding plan between Root and Archer. A few balls earlier, Root had suggested adding a leg slip and short leg and Archer then bowled one that moved sharply into Awais. The Pakistan batter tried to guide it towards fine leg, but the ball took the inside edge and went straight to Root at leg slip. The catch took Root’s tally to 219 catches in 169* Test matches. Smith is second with 218 catches from 124 matches, while India legend Rahul Dravid is third with 210 catches in 164 matches. Most catches by a fielder in Test cricket 219 - Joe Root* (England) 218 - Steve Smith (Australia) 210 - Rahul Dravid (India) 205 - Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka) 200 - Jacques Kallis (South Africa) Also Read - 'Here we go': Alcaraz announces US Open return following wrist injury layoff England build strong lead at Headingley Root’s record came as England continued to control the first Test. England were bowled out for 409 early on the third day after starting at 366/8. The hosts added 43 runs to their overnight score, with Jofra Archer contributing a useful 23, including two fours and a six. Also Read - 'Battle against fear': Why Okuhara pulled out from BWF World Championships 2026 Khurram Shahzad took the final two England wickets, removing Jamie Smith for 25 before bowling Josh Tongue for eight. Shahzad finished with figures of 3/133. England’s first-innings total gave them a huge 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in less than two sessions on the opening day.

Joe Root has surpassed Australia’s Steve Smith to become the fielder with the most catches in Test cricket history.

ENG vs PAK: Joe Root scripts Test history, breaks record for most catches by a fielder

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Joe Root scripts Test history, breaks record for most catches by a fielder