BIRMINGHAM: The Razaullah Debut Test got off to an impressive start as Pakistan’s debutant fast bowler claimed two crucial wickets to help his side fight back against England on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston. Razaullah dismissed England captain Joe Root for eight before removing Emilio Gay for 60 as England closed the day at 156 for four, a lead of 23 runs.
The action-packed opening day saw 14 wickets fall, with Pakistan bowled out for 133 in 33.5 overs after being sent in to bat first. England’s fast bowlers took advantage of the conditions, reducing Pakistan to 26 for four before the visitors’ lower order and bowlers responded strongly.
Razaullah Debut Test Makes Immediate Impact
Pakistan made three changes to their playing XI for the final Test of the series, handing Test debuts to Ghazi Ghori, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
While Pakistan struggled with the bat, Razaullah made an immediate impression in his first Test appearance. He also contributed 11 runs with the bat during Pakistan’s lower-order fightback.
Saud Shakeel was Pakistan’s leading scorer, making an aggressive 43 off 47 balls, including seven boundaries. Mohammad Abbas added 21 as Pakistan attempted to recover from their early collapse.
England’s Josh Tongue was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with four wickets for 42 runs. Ollie Robinson claimed three for 15, while Jofra Archer also took three wickets for 25.
Razaullah Removes Joe Root
Pakistan’s bowlers responded positively when England began their first innings. Mohammad Ali provided the first breakthrough by dismissing Ben Duckett for 11, while Mohammad Abbas removed Jordan Cox for four to leave England at 24 for two.
Razaullah then produced the defining moment of his debut. The young pacer trapped Joe Root lbw for eight to claim his maiden Test wicket, dismissing England’s captain and giving Pakistan a major breakthrough.
He struck again later in the innings, removing Emilio Gay for 60. Gay had played a key role in England’s recovery, hitting nine boundaries during his 60-run innings.
Gay and Harry Brook had earlier put together a 104-run fourth-wicket partnership that shifted momentum back towards England. Brook remained unbeaten on 52 from 76 deliveries at stumps, while Dan Lawrence was not out on five.
Also Read: England Pacers Dominate Pakistan as Visitors Bowled Out for 133
Razaullah Debut Test and Razaullah ended his first Test day with figures of two wickets for 42 runs from nine overs, giving Pakistan renewed hope despite England’s narrow first-innings advantage.
Scores in Brief
- Pakistan: 133 all out, 33.5 overs — Saud Shakeel 43, Mohammad Abbas 21; Josh Tongue 4-42, Ollie Robinson 3-15, Jofra Archer 3-25.
- England: 156-4, 39 overs — Emilio Gay 60, Harry Brook 52*, Razaullah 2-42.
- England lead: 23 runs.
- Day: 1 of 5.
