Tongue routs Pakistan as England dominate third test

BIRMINGHAM, England, Sept 9 : England are on course to complete a series whitewash after Pakistan’s brittle batting collapsed again on the opening day of the third test at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

The tourists, who have failed to reach 200 in the series, were dismantled once more by England’s four-man pace attack and were shot out for 133 in just 33.5 overs.

Josh Tongue led the way with 4-42 with Ollie Robinson taking 3-15 and Jofra Archer 3-25.

Debutant Razaullah enjoyed a dream start to his Pakistan test career, taking the prize wicket of Joe Root with his fourth ball, but a century stand from Emilio Gay and Harry Brook put England in command. They closed with a lead of 23 on 156-4.

Razaullah, 21, was one of three new caps, along with wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori and Mohammad Imran, in a Pakistan side thrown into chaos when seven players were sent home after the second test loss at Lord’s. Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and his assistant Umar Gul were also sacked in the aftermath.

"It was an unbelievable performance from everyone," said Tongue. "The pitch looked a good one and winning the toss and bowling first there was probably a bit of pressure on us as bowlers but I think the four of us did really well.

"I feel that as a group of four bowlers we’ve been hitting our lines and lengths really well today and throughout the series as well.

"Even if the pitch is doing more, I think bowling a team out for just over 100 is an unbelievable effort. We’re in a strong position."

PAKISTAN START POORLY AGAIN

The pattern of the series was maintained with Pakistan getting away to another awful start after being put in to bat, slumping to 26-4 inside the opening hour.

Saim Ayub, recalled after a 21-month absence, was trapped lbw by Robinson, giving the