Pakistan suffered a stunning collapse on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The touring side lost four wickets inside nine overs after England captain Joe Root won the toss and elected to field in overcast conditions. Pakistan’s batting order crumbled rapidly, reaching just 26 for four as England’s fast bowlers exploited the conditions.
Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer combined to dismantle Pakistan’s top order, taking two wickets each during the early onslaught. Robinson struck twice in his opening spell, first dismissing Saim Ayub for a duck lbw and then removing Abdullah Shafique, who nicked to gully. The dismissal of Ayub marked Robinson’s 100th Test wicket. Shan Masood holed out attempting to pull Archer, while Babar Azam was clean bowled by Josh Tongue for 7.
Nasser Hussain, observing the collapse unfold, delivered a scathing assessment of Pakistan’s batting performance. The England commentator watched as Pakistan’s batsmen fell in quick succession, unable to cope with the movement and pace offered by the home bowlers on a pitch that offered assistance to the seamers.
“In the air, the easiest of chances. Pakistan collapsing in front of our eyes here on a flat pitch at Edgbaston. They are 26-4. Shan Masood the latest to go. Terrible viewing if you are a Pakistan fan,” Hussain said on air.
Tongue bowls Babar Azam for 7 in Edgbaston Test
Hussain’s assessment of Pakistan’s batting collapse
Pakistan’s troubles extended beyond the opening session. The side eventually slumped to 133 all out on the opening day of the third Test, a total that reflected the severity of their batting collapse. This came after Pakistan had already fallen 2-0 down in the three-match series following a 194-run defeat at Lord’s in the second Test.
The collapse at Edgbaston followed significant changes to Pakistan’s squad and coaching setup. The team made four changes to their playing XI after the Lord’s defeat. More dramatically, Pakistan’s head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant coach Umar Gul were sacked following the second Test loss, with seven players also banished from the squad as part of a major overhaul.
