England survive scare to sweep Pakistan series

England secured a 3‑0 series sweep over Pakistan after weathering a late scare on the fourth day of the third Rothesay Test at Edgbaston. Pakistan were dismissed for 133 in their first innings, with Rehan Tongue claiming 4‑42. In reply, England amassed 453, thanks to half‑centuries from Harry Brook (75), Joe Smith (69), Sam Lawrence (65), Tom Gay (60) and Matthew Robinson (50), while Razaullah took 4‑148. Pakistan responded with 449, built around a 95 from Masood, an 81 from Razaullah, 76 from Babar Azam and 59 from Awais. England then required 130 to win and reached the target for the loss of two wickets, finishing on 130‑2. Joe Root remained unbeaten on 62 and Jordan Cox finished on 59 not out, sharing an unbroken stand of 128. England’s chase began precariously, slipping to 2‑2 after Ben Duckett edged Muhammad Abbas and Tom Gay was given lbw. A chance to dismiss Root arrived when Mohammad Ali appeared to have him stumped, but the umpire ruled Ali had overstepped, allowing Root to survive on 23. Cox’s composed half‑century, his second notable performance in recent matches, bolstered the case for his inclusion in the XI for the opening Test against South Africa in December. The partnership with Root steadied the innings and saw England home just before lunch. For Root, the victory marks a successful return to the captaincy after Ben Stokes stood down in June, helping England close a turbulent summer on a positive note. The side will now turn to white‑ball cricket, opening a limited‑overs series against Sri Lanka in Southampton on Tuesday, with Brendon McCullum back as head coach and Kevin Pietersen joining the coaching staff.