Root and Cox to the rescue as England beat Pakistan in third Test

England sealed a comprehensive 3-0 series clean sweep against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Sunday, overcoming an early batting collapse thanks to a resolute partnership between captain Joe Root and debutant Jordan Cox. Chasing a modest target of 130 in the third Test, the hosts suffered a disastrous start when they slumped to 2-2 inside the opening six overs, leaving the capacity Birmingham crowd momentarily stunned. However, Root anchored the innings with his trademark composure, while Cox played a fearless supporting knock to guide their side safely home by eight wickets. Root, currently sitting near the top of the all-time Test run-scorer charts for England, demonstrated once again why he remains the anchor of this aggressive red-ball setup.

This dominant victory at Edgbaston caps off a remarkable summer of cricket for the English Test side under the strategic guidance of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. Throughout this three-match series, the hosts consistently exploited favorable home conditions, with their bowling attack regularly dismantling Pakistan's top order inside the first session of play. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson enjoyed a breakthrough international season, finishing the series as the leading wicket-taker with over twenty scalps to his name. Meanwhile, Pakistan struggled to find tactical consistency away from home, plagued by recurring batting collapses and a lack of discipline against the swinging red ball in overcast English afternoons.

Looking ahead, this resounding whitewash provides England with tremendous momentum as they prepare for their upcoming grueling winter tour of the subcontinent, where spin-friendly pitches will present entirely different challenges. Selectors will be particularly encouraged by the seamless integration of younger squad members like Jordan Cox, who proved capable of absorbing intense pressure in high-stakes situations. For Pakistan, the series defeat triggers an immediate internal review regarding squad selection and team strategy before their next assignment in the ICC World Test Championship cycle. As international cricket enters its next busy window, England's red-ball revolution continues to capture the imagination of supporters worldwide with its relentless pursuit of victory.