Joe Root
Joe Root scored a career best 254 runs against Pakistan in the second Test at Old Trafford Getty

England host Pakistan in the third Investec test match at Edgbaston, Birmingham on 3 August (Wednesday). The four-match series is tied at 1-1.

Where to watch live

Match starts at 11am BST. Live TV coverage is available on Sky Sports 2 and Sky Sports 2 HD. Click here for the live streaming link.

Overview

The four-match Investec Test series between England and Pakistan has been keenly fought with both sides showing why they are considered two of the most exciting and unpredictable sides in the world at present.

The hosts come into this clash on the back of a 330-run thrashing of their opponents at Old Trafford, something which would have given them immense confidence ahead of the third Test. It was Cook and Root's show in the last game, with skipper Alaistar Cook scoring 105, his 29<sup>th Test ton, thus equalling Don Bradman's record of centuries.

The star undoubtedly was Joe Root, with his 254 including 27 hits to the fence becoming his highest Test score. Root, who on current form is arguably the best batsman in the world, took home the player of the match award, showing his importance in the England setup.

What has also impressed is the way the England bowlers performed, contributing as a unit. Chris Woakes has come of age in this tour while the experienced duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been effective if not spectacular.

Moeen Ali's role has been a source of debate, but he again showed why he is so valuable claiming five wickets. People will say that he is not contributing with the bat, but the fact is that he does not get too many opportunities to show his talents when it comes to batting.

The Three Lions will not want to make any changes to the side that just won; however, the injury to all-rounder Ben Stokes will mean that they will have to decide whether to add an extra pacer to the squad or give leg-spinner Adil Rashid a crack at the Pakistan batsman.

misbah ul haq
Misbah-ul-Haq was the only bright spot for the Pakistan team in their defeat to England at Old Trafford Getty

The visitors, Pakistan, showed just why they are the most unpredictable side in the world, putting in a performance in the second Test that did not do justice to the talent they possess. A lot was expected after their historic 75-run win in the first Test at Lord's but they looked very disinterested at Old Trafford.

Barring skipper Misbah-ul-Haq, none of the batsmen could withstand the onslaught of the England bowlers, with the performance of the top-three especially a concern for the team management.

Shan Masood, Mohammad Hafeez and Azhar Ali have looked out of sorts on the tour, which has hampered their chances of giving a solid platform for the rest of the middle order. Their failures have ensured that the responsibility of putting up runs is on the shoulders of Younis Khan, Misbah and Asad Shafiq.

The bowlers too struggled at Old Trafford, with first Test hero Yasir Shah leaking 266 runs while taking just one wicket. Wahab Riaz has looked ineffective, which means that they might just replace him with right-arm pacer Sohail Khan while Shan Masood is likely to make way for Sami Aslam.

Prediction

England to win

Betting Odds (betfair)

  • England to win: 8/15
  • Draw: 7/2
  • Pakistan to win: 7/2

Team News

England

Possible XI: Alastair Cook (c), Alex Hales, Joe Root, Gary Ballance, James Vince, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Steve Finn.

Pakistan

Possible XI: Mohammad Hafeez, Sami Islam, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Yasir Shah, Sohail Khan, Mohammad Amir, Rahat Ali.

England Pakistan England cricket Pakistan cricket