England seal historic 3-0 Test whitewash over Pakistan

BIRMINGHAM: England completed a historic 3-0 Test series whitewash over Pakistan on Saturday, chasing down a target of 130 with eight wickets in hand in the third Test at Edgbaston.

The result gave England their first-ever home Test series whitewash against Pakistan, bringing a disappointing campaign to an emphatic end for the visitors.

Pakistan briefly threatened to turn the match on its head when Mohammad Abbas produced a remarkable opening over. The experienced pacer removed Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay for ducks, leaving England in early trouble during their modest chase.

But Pakistan’s hopes quickly faded as Joe Root and Jordan Cox settled at the crease and produced a calm, controlled partnership.

Root, who has repeatedly proved England’s most dependable batter in pressure situations, reached his 69th Test half-century in the 19th over. The milestone also carried added significance as Root completed 1,000 Test runs at Edgbaston.

Cox then joined him in the milestone club, bringing up his third half-century of the series three overs later. He reached the mark in style, striking Saim Ayub through deep midwicket for a boundary.

With Pakistan struggling to create further opportunities, the English pair steadily moved their side towards victory.

The match was finally sealed in the 25th over when Cox drove Mohammad Imran through the covers and took the single required to complete the chase.

Root remained unbeaten on 62 from 69 balls, while Cox finished 59 not out off 76 deliveries. Their unbeaten partnership ensured England suffered no further setbacks after Abbas’ explosive start.

Abbas was Pakistan’s standout bowler in the final innings, taking both England wickets. However, the rest of the attack could not provide the breakthroughs needed to keep the visitors alive in the contest.

The victory completed a dominant series for England and underlined Pakistan’s struggles with both the bat and ball throughout the three-match contest.

For England, the win also added another memorable chapter to Root’s remarkable career, with his Edgbaston milestone coming on a day when his side secured a historic clean sweep.

Pakistan will now face questions over their Test approach and selection after failing to prevent England from completing a 3-0 whitewash on home soil.