ENG vs PAK: Babar Azam’s return to the Test captaincy began on a positive note with Pakistan drawing their two-match series 1-1 in the West Indies. However, things quickly went downhill on the subsequent tour of England, where the visitors suffered a 3-0 series defeat.
Pakistan did show plenty of fight in the third and final Test, particularly in the second innings, but their poor batting performances in the opening two matches had already put the series beyond their reach. The defeat has also raised fresh questions over Babar’s future as Pakistan’s Test captain, with the Lahore-born batter now facing an unwanted record.
With Pakistan having suffered 3-0 series defeats against England both at home and away, Babar has become the first Pakistan captain to oversee such a clean sweep in both conditions. His leadership will once again come under scrutiny as the Pakistan Cricket Board weighs its options ahead of the team’s next Test assignment.
At the post-match presentation, Babar was asked whether he wanted to continue leading Pakistan in Test cricket. The 31-year-old’s response will be closely watched as speculation grows over whether he will remain in charge.
Babar’s batting struggles add to pressure
Babar did manage to make a valuable 76 in Pakistan’s second innings at Edgbaston, but his overall returns in the series were disappointing. In his other three innings, the right-hander scored just 8, 7 and 6, adding to the concerns surrounding his form.
His lack of runs has been particularly damaging for Pakistan, who have struggled badly in the current 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. The defeat in Birmingham leaves them at the bottom of the WTC points table, with only two wins and seven defeats so far. Their two victories have come against South Africa and the West Indies.
For a team looking to rebuild in Test cricket, Pakistan will need greater consistency from their senior players, with Babar’s role as both captain and one of the side’s leading batters likely to remain a major talking point.
Pakistan’s lower order stages remarkable fightback
Despite their struggles, Pakistan produced an impressive fightback in the second innings of the third Test and gave England a scare while defending a modest target.
After being bowled out for just 133 in the first innings, Pakistan conceded a massive 453, allowing England to take a commanding 320-run lead.
The visitors were then in trouble again in their second innings. Even after reducing the deficit, Pakistan were still seven wickets down, with the prospect of an innings defeat or a heavy loss looming.
Shan Masood played an important role with a fighting 95, while Babar contributed a crucial 76. However, it was 21-year-old debutant Razaullah who provided the innings with a remarkable late surge.
Razaullah showed tremendous confidence against England’s attack, taking the aggressive route when Pakistan desperately needed runs. He fearlessly cleared the boundary against Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson, eventually smashing nine sixes in a breathtaking 63-ball 81.
The all-rounder also made an impact with the ball, claiming the prized wicket of England’s Joe Root for his first Test wicket.
Razaullah then joined hands with Mohammad Abbas to produce a crucial century partnership. Abbas, who had already made an impact with the ball, contributed a valuable 42 with the bat as Pakistan managed to set England a target of 130.
Atkinson was England’s most successful bowler in Pakistan’s second innings, finishing with three wickets.
Abbas gives England an early scare
England’s chase of 130 did not get off to a straightforward start.
Pakistan new-ball bowler Mohammad Abbas struck twice early, dismissing Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay for ducks to reduce England to 2-2.
With the hosts suddenly in trouble, there was a brief opening for Pakistan to dream of an unlikely victory. However, England kept their composure and refused to panic.
Joe Root joined hands with Jordan Cox, and the pair steadily took control of the chase. Root produced another assured innings while Cox provided the aggression needed to keep the scoreboard moving.
The duo added an unbeaten 128 runs from just 143 deliveries, completely taking the game away from Pakistan.
Root finished unbeaten on 62, while Cox remained not out on 59, guiding England to the target with eight wickets in hand.
The result completed a 3-0 series victory for England and left Pakistan with plenty of questions to answer.
For Babar Azam, the defeat has made the question of his Test captaincy future even more significant. While his 76 and Razaullah’s counter-attacking innings ensured Pakistan avoided an embarrassing collapse in the final Test, the broader series result and his own inconsistent returns have intensified the scrutiny surrounding his leadership.
Pakistan now face a crucial decision over whether to continue with Babar or look towards a new leader as they attempt to revive their fortunes in Test cricket.
