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England will look to complete a 3-0 series sweep when they face Pakistan in the third and final Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting September 9. Joe Root’s side has already wrapped up the three-match series after comprehensive victories in the opening two Tests, winning the Headingley contest by an innings and 103 runs before registering a 194-run victory at Lord’s.
England’s dominance has been built around an impressive bowling attack and a batting unit that has found enough contributions across the order. With the series already secured, there could be some temptation to rotate the bowling attack, but England have named a strong 15-member squad and will be keen to maintain their momentum.
Brydon Carse remains unavailable after being left out of the squad, while Sonny Baker has retained his place. Matthew Fisher has also been omitted from the group for the Edgbaston Test.
Here is England’s predicted playing XI for the third Test against Pakistan:
Ben Duckett is expected to continue opening the innings. The left-hander has been one of England’s most reliable top-order batters during the summer and remains an important component of their aggressive approach.
Duckett made 17 in the first innings at Lord’s, but his ability to score quickly and put pressure on Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers makes him a near-certain selection for the decider.
He is likely to be partnered by Emilio Gay. The Durham opener has endured some inconsistent returns during the series, including scores of eight and 14 at Lord’s, but England are expected to continue backing him.
With limited alternative opening options in the squad, Gay should get another opportunity to establish himself at the top of the order.
Jordan Cox has made an encouraging start to his Test career and should retain the No. 3 position. He played a crucial 55 in England’s first innings at Lord’s and looked comfortable against Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Captain Joe Root will occupy the No. 4 position. The experienced batter has not produced his best returns in the series so far, but his importance to England’s batting unit cannot be overstated. With England looking to finish the summer on a high, Root will be eager to make a substantial contribution.
At No. 5, Harry Brook is another automatic selection. The Yorkshire batter remains one of England’s most dangerous run-scorers and has consistently provided attacking intent in the middle order.
Dan Lawrence is expected to retain his place at No. 6. His ability to contribute useful runs gives England additional batting depth, while his part-time off-spin provides Joe Root with another bowling option if required.
Jamie Smith should continue behind the stumps. The wicketkeeper-batter produced an important 61 in England’s first innings at Lord’s and has become a valuable lower-middle-order contributor.
Smith’s aggressive batting allows England to maintain pressure even after the departure of their specialist top-order batters.
England are likely to retain a four-man pace attack despite having already secured the series.
Gus Atkinson brings pace and bounce and has also shown that he can contribute useful runs down the order. He scored a rapid 45 at Lord’s, demonstrating his value as a genuine No. 8.
Ollie Robinson has been one of England’s standout performers in the series. His accuracy and ability to extract movement have made him a constant threat, and he was named Player of the Match at Lord’s.
Jofra Archer is another likely starter. The express pacer gives England a point of difference with his pace and bounce and remains a major threat to Pakistan’s reshuffled batting lineup.
Completing the attack should be Josh Tongue, whose extra bounce and pace have made him an effective partner for Robinson. England’s decision to retain their core group of seamers would allow the attack to maintain continuity heading into the final Test.
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (WK), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue
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