England fast bowler Josh Tongue shattered Mohammad Imran Randhawa’s off-stump with a pinpoint yorker to compound a miserable opening session for Pakistan at Edgbaston.
Joe Root won the toss and deployed an unchanged seam attack in overcast conditions. Ollie Robinson reached his 100th Test wicket at an average under 20 by trapping Saim Ayub, after the batter had already overturned one leg-before verdict. Jofra Archer then claimed two quick breakthroughs, removing Azan Awais and Shan Masood, before Tongue bowled Pakistan captain Babar Azam for seven. This onslaught left the visiting top five batters out for single figures.
Tongue Dominates Pakistan Lower Order
Pakistan limped to 100 for seven before lunch in this World Test Championship dead rubber. Randhawa, who secured his call-up after scoring 50 runs and taking four wickets for Multan Sultans in the 2026 Pakistan Super League, batted at number eight. The debutant fell to a searing Tongue delivery in the 21st over, underlining the paceman’s tactical value against the tail.
The tourists made four changes following their defeat at Lord’s, handing debuts to Randhawa, Ghazi Ghori and Razaullah Khan. Saud Shakeel provided isolated resistance with an unbeaten 37. While other international boards are finalising upcoming Caribbean schedules, England’s immediate focus remains securing a home series sweep. Amid aggressive domestic run-scoring elsewhere this week, Edgbaston witnessed sustained fast-bowling dominance. The afternoon session resumes with Razaullah joining Shakeel at the crease.
