The ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match is set to bring the Pakistan tour of England 2026 to its final chapter when the two sides meet at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from September 9 to 13. The match promises plenty of attention because England have already secured the three-match series after winning the first two Tests.
England dominated Pakistan in Leeds before producing another strong performance at Lord’s. Pakistan now face a difficult challenge. They must respond after two heavy defeats and avoid a 3-0 series whitewash.
The final Test has also become more interesting because Pakistan have made major changes to their squad and coaching staff. Several experienced players have been released, while a number of new faces have been brought into the team.
ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match – Match Details
The third Test is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham. The Test is scheduled to run until September 13, with play beginning at 11:00 AM local time. In Pakistan, the match is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM PKT.
Match: England vs Pakistan, 3rd Test
Series: Pakistan Tour of England 2026
Format: Test Cricket
Date: September 9–13, 2026
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
Start Time: 11:00 AM local time
Pakistan Time: 3:00 PM PKT
Series Status: England lead 2-0
| England | Pakistan | |
|---|---|---|
Joe Root (c) top-order batter | Babar Azam (c) batter | |
Jofra Archer bowler | Abdullah Fazal opening batter | |
Gus Atkinson bowler | Arafat Minhas allrounder | |
Sonny Baker bowler | Azan Awais opening batter | |
Harry Brook middle-order batter | Ghazi Ghori † wicketkeeper batter | |
Sam Cook bowler | Mohammad Abbas bowler | |
Jordan Cox wicketkeeper batter | Mohammad Ali bowler | |
Ben Duckett wicketkeeper batter | Mohammad Imran bowler | |
Matthew Fisher bowler | Mohammad Imran allrounder | |
Emilio Gay opening batter | Razaullah bowler | |
Dan Lawrence middle-order batter | Saad Baig wicketkeeper batter | |
Ollie Pope middle-order batter | Saim Ayub allrounder | |
Ollie Robinson bowler | Sajid Khan bowler | |
Shoaib Bashir bowler | Saud Shakeel middle-order batter | |
Jamie Smith † wicketkeeper batter | Shan Masood opening batter | |
Josh Tongue bowler | Ubaid Shah bowler
|
England Enter the Final Test With Confidence
The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed Edgbaston as the venue for the third and final Test when the tour schedule was announced. England Enter the Final Test With Confidence
England have every reason to be confident heading into the ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match. They won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before defeating Pakistan by 194 runs at Lord’s.
The second Test was particularly impressive for England’s bowling attack. Pakistan were set 389 runs to win but were dismissed for 194. Saud Shakeel provided Pakistan with their strongest resistance, scoring 97, but England kept taking wickets at important moments.
Ollie Robinson has been one of England’s biggest stars during the series. He produced another outstanding performance at Lord’s and finished the match with eight wickets. Josh Tongue and Jofra Archer have also given England a dangerous pace combination.
Joe Root’s leadership has added another important element. England’s experienced batter returned to the captaincy and has already guided his team to a series victory. England will now be looking for a clean sweep.
Pakistan Make Major Changes Before Edgbaston
Pakistan’s preparations for the ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match have taken an unexpected turn. Following the defeat at Lord’s, the PCB released seven players from the Test squad.
Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Zafar and Khurram Shahzad have all been released. Imam-ul-Haq was also dealing with an injury after suffering a calf problem during the second Test.
Pakistan have added Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal and Arafat Minhas, while several uncapped players have also joined the squad. Saad Baig, Mohammad Imran Junior, Mohammad Imran Randhawa and Razaullah are among the new options.
The coaching structure has changed as well. Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul have been released from their positions. Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke will take charge of the team for the final Test.
Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Captain
One of the biggest developments is the return of Babar Azam as Pakistan captain. Babar had originally been named captain for the England tour but missed the opening Test after being hit by a ball during the warm-up match.
The latest squad announcement lists Babar as captain for the Birmingham Test. His return gives Pakistan an experienced leader at a time when the team needs stability.
Babar’s batting will also be under the spotlight. Pakistan’s top order has struggled badly during the first two Tests, and the team has failed to score 200 in any of its four innings so far. That statistic explains why Pakistan are under enormous pressure heading into Edgbaston.
Players to Watch
Joe Root – England
Joe Root remains one of England’s most important players. His experience in English conditions makes him a major threat, especially if the pitch becomes slower as the Test progresses.
Ollie Robinson – England
Robinson has been outstanding during the series. His control, movement and ability to exploit helpful conditions make him one of the bowlers Pakistan must handle carefully.
Mohammad Abbas – Pakistan
Mohammad Abbas has been one of Pakistan’s strongest performers with the ball. He claimed five wickets in England’s second innings at Lord’s and finished with nine wickets in the match. His accuracy could again prove valuable at Edgbaston.
Saud Shakeel – Pakistan
Saud Shakeel has shown the strongest batting resistance for Pakistan during the series. His 97 at Lord’s was an excellent effort under pressure, although he narrowly missed a century. Pakistan will need another major contribution from him in Birmingham.
Edgbaston Conditions Could Influence the Match
Edgbaston is expected to provide an interesting challenge for both teams. England’s pace attack has already shown how dangerous it can be in home conditions.
The new-ball period could become particularly important. Pakistan’s batsmen have struggled against England’s seamers, so surviving the first hour of each innings could be critical.
For Pakistan, patience will be essential. Rather than trying to attack immediately, the visitors need to build partnerships and make England work for every wicket.
England, meanwhile, will likely continue using their pace depth aggressively. With the series already secured, they can play with freedom while Pakistan carry the greater pressure.
ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match Prediction
On current form, England enter the final Test as the clear favourite. They have won both previous matches comfortably and have looked stronger in batting, bowling and fielding.
Pakistan, however, should not be completely written off. The squad changes could bring fresh energy, while Babar Azam’s return provides experience at the top. New players also have an opportunity to make an immediate impact.
England’s biggest advantage remains their bowling attack. Robinson, Tongue, Archer and the rest of the pace group have consistently troubled Pakistan’s batsmen.
Prediction: England have the stronger chance of winning the third Test, but Pakistan’s priority will be to fight hard and avoid a 3-0 whitewash.
What to Expect From the Final Test
The ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match will be more than just the final game of the series for Pakistan. It represents an opportunity to restore confidence after a difficult tour.
England, on the other hand, have the chance to complete a 3-0 series victory and finish the home series on a high. Joe Root’s side has already achieved its main objective, but a clean sweep would make the result even more impressive.
For Pakistan, the key will be their batting. If Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel and the new-look middle order can spend long periods at the crease, the visitors can put England under pressure.
The first session could set the tone for the entire match. Early wickets for England would increase the pressure, while a solid Pakistan opening partnership could change the mood immediately.
With a new coaching setup, a reshaped squad and Babar Azam back as captain, Pakistan have plenty to prove.
The final Test at Edgbaston therefore promises to be an important contest. England will chase a clean sweep, while Pakistan will fight to finish the Pakistan Tour of England 2026 with pride.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match be played?
The ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match will begin on September 9, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until September 13. The match will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, England.
2. Where will the ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match be played?
The third Test between England and Pakistan will take place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham. The venue is well known for its competitive Test matches and can offer assistance to fast bowlers.
3. What time does the ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match start?
The match is scheduled to start at 11:00 AM local time in England. For viewers in Pakistan, the scheduled start time is 3:00 PM PKT.
4. Who is the favourite to win the ENG vs PAK, 3rd Test Match?
England will enter the match as the favourite based on their performances in the first two Tests. They have already taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series. However, Pakistan will be hoping to make a strong comeback at Edgbaston.
5. Who is Pakistan’s captain for the third Test?
Babar Azam is set to lead Pakistan in the third Test. His return provides Pakistan with valuable experience as the team looks to avoid a series whitewash.