England vs Pakistan produces first series without a century since 1888

England completed a 3-0 Test series sweep over Pakistan in September 2026, and the series produced a statistical rarity not recorded in England since 1888. Not a single batter on either side reached three figures across all three matches, making this only the eighth three-match Test series in history to finish without an individual century.

The previous occasion on which a three-match Test series played in England ended without a hundred was the 1888 Ashes. That gap of 138 years underlines how unusual the 2026 England and Pakistan series was from a batting perspective.

England’s 3-0 result was also their second Test series whitewash over Pakistan, following the 2022-23 series. Joe Root captained England in the series following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket.

How close did batters come to a century?

Several batters came within touching distance of three figures but none could convert. Saud Shakeel was the closest for Pakistan, falling three runs short on 97 at Lord’s. Shan Masood made 95 in Birmingham, also missing out on what would have been a landmark score.

For England, Harry Brook was the most prominent near-miss, scoring 91 at Headingley in the second Test and 75 in the third. Joe Root finished the final Test unbeaten on 62, guiding England through a chase of 130, which they completed with eight wickets in hand. Jordan Cox remained not out on 59 in that same chase.

Pakistan’s Razaullah provided one of the more eye-catching innings of the series, striking 81 off 63 balls with nine sixes in the third Test, yet he too fell short of a hundred. The pattern across all three matches was one of batters reaching the 60s, 70s and 90s without going on to three figures.

What were the key performance highlights from the series?

England won the first Test at Leeds by an innings and 103 runs, setting the tone for the series. The margin underlined England’s dominance with both bat and ball throughout the three matches. Ollie Robinson was the standout bowler of the series, finishing with 21 wickets across the three Tests. His consistent wicket-taking was central to England’s ability to dismiss Pakistan repeatedly and keep the scoring pressure on their batters.

The combination of Robinson’s bowling and the collective batting performances, none of which reached a century, produced a series that will be remembered as much for what did not happen as for what did. The last time England hosted a three-match Test series with no individual hundred was 138 years ago, in 1888.

Highest scores in the England vs Pakistan Test series: