Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 on the opening day of the series-deciding third Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9, 2026, as pace bowler Josh Tongue starred with a four-wicket haul to put the hosts firmly in control.
Quick Answer / Key Update
England chose to field after winning the toss and dismissed Pakistan for 133 in their first innings. In reply, England reached 156 for 4 by the close of day one, taking a 23-run lead. Josh Tongue finished with 4 for 42, while Ollie Robinson (3 for 15) and Jofra Archer (3 for 25) also picked up three wickets each for the hosts.
What Happened?
The third and final Test of the Pakistan tour of England 2026 got underway at Edgbaston with England opting to bowl first. Pakistan slipped to 26 for 4 inside the first hour, with captain Babar Azam dismissed for just 7 runs after Tongue produced a delivery that seamed in off a good length and knocked back his off stump.
Debutant wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori began brightly, cutting Tongue for four off his first ball in Test cricket, but could not convert his start. Saud Shakeel top-scored for Pakistan with 43, adding useful runs before Tongue removed fellow debutant Mohammad Imran Randhawa with a well-directed yorker. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 133 in their first innings.
Latest Update
In response, England lost two early wickets but stabilised through captain Joe Root and Emilio Gay. By stumps on day one, England had moved to 156 for 4, giving them a 23-run first-innings lead heading into day two. The match is scheduled to run across five days, from September 9 to 13, 2026.
Why Is This Trending?
This Test carries extra significance because it is the decider of the three-match series, which forms part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle. England had already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead by winning the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs, meaning Pakistan needed a strong response at Edgbaston to avoid a series whitewash. The early collapse and Babar Azam’s low score have intensified fan interest and search activity around the match.
Key Details
Match: 3rd Test, Pakistan tour of England 2026
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Dates: September 9-13, 2026
Toss: England won the toss and chose to field
Series Score (before this Test): England lead 2-0
Competition: Part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship
Teams and Players
Pakistan were captained by Babar Azam, while England were led by Joe Root. Pakistan fielded two debutants in this Test, wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori and batter Mohammad Imran Randhawa. For England, Josh Tongue was the standout bowler with figures of 4 for 42, supported by Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer, who claimed three wickets apiece.
What Happens Next?
Play continues into day two at Edgbaston, with England looking to extend their first-innings lead and push for a series sweep, while Pakistan will hope for a stronger bowling and batting response to stay competitive in the match and salvage pride in the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the toss in the Pakistan vs England 3rd Test?
England won the toss and chose to field first at Edgbaston.
What was Pakistan’s first innings score?
Pakistan were bowled out for 133 runs in their first innings.
Who was the top wicket-taker for England?
Josh Tongue was the leading wicket-taker with figures of 4 for 42.
Why was Babar Azam dismissed cheaply?
Babar Azam was dismissed for 7 runs by Josh Tongue, who bowled a delivery that seamed in off a good length and hit his off stump.
What is the current series score?
England lead the three-match series 2-0 after winning the second Test at Lord’s by 194 runs, making this third Test a series decider.
Where is the 3rd Test being played?
The match is being played at Edgbaston in Birmingham, from September 9 to 13, 2026.
Final Takeaway
Josh Tongue’s early burst and disciplined bowling from Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer put England in a strong position after day one of the Edgbaston Test, bowling Pakistan out for 133 before building a 23-run lead. With the series already in their favour at 2-0, England will look to close out a clean sweep, while Pakistan face an uphill battle to salvage some pride from the tour.
