Third Test: England win toss, elect to field first against Pakistan

Ghazi Ghori, Imran Randhawa and Razaullah make Test debut for Pakistan in 3rd Test

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Sports Desk
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Englands Joe Root (second from left) and Pakistan captain Babar Azam (centre) look on during the toss ahead of the third Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on September 9, 2026. — PCB
England's Joe Root (second from left) and Pakistan captain Babar Azam (centre) look on during the toss ahead of the third Test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on September 9, 2026. — PCB

England have won the toss and elected to field first against Pakistan in the third and final Test at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, on Wednesday.

The hosts made no changes to their line-up, while Pakistan handed debut caps to three players: Imran Randhawa, Razaullah and Ghazi Ghori.

Saud Shakeel presented Ghazi Ghori with his debut Test cap, while pacer Mohammad Abbas handed Razaullah his cap and captain Babar Azam presented Imran Randhawa with his maiden Test cap.

Meanwhile, Saim Ayub returned to the side after last representing Pakistan in 2025 against South Africa.

For the unversed, Pakistan head into the Edgbaston Test trailing 2-0 in the three-match series after suffering heavy defeats in the opening two matches at Headingley and Lord's.

The national team lost the series opener inside three days by an innings and 103 runs after England posted 409 in their first innings. Pakistan were then bowled out for 171 and 135 in their two innings, respectively.

The visitors suffered another setback at Lord's, going down by 194 runs. England scored 290 in their first innings before dismissing Pakistan for 110.

The hosts then added 208 runs in their second innings to set Pakistan a target of 389. However, the visitors were eventually bowled out for 194, handing England a 2-0 series lead.

Playing XI: 

England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Pakistan: Azan Awais, Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Ghazi Ghori (wk), Imran Randhawa, Razaullah, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.