England Predicted Playing XI For 3rd Test vs Pakistan, 2026

England to take on Pakistan in the 3rd Test match from Wednesday [Source: AFP]

The England side has played some flawless cricket throughout the Test series against Pakistan, and the hosts lead 2-0 as they aim for a whitewash. The third and final Test match of the series takes place on September 9 at Edgbaston, and England will once again start as firm favourites.

While the England batters struggled against the Pakistan bowlers in the last Test, their bowlers were rampant and decimated Pakistan with utmost ease. Pakistan have made a plethora of changes in their squad, and England wouldn’t take them lightly despite the series already in the bag.

Ahead of the third Test, we take a look at England’s predicted playing XI for the riveting clash against Pakistan.

Openers and top order: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox

Ben Duckett: The England top-order batters struggled against Pakistan in the previous two Tests, with only Jordan Cox standing tall in front of them. Duckett, too, has failed to deliver the goods, scoring just 33 runs in two matches. England will hope the fiery opener can come good against a strong Pakistan bowling attack.

Emilio Gay: Duckett’s opening partner, Emilio Gay, has also not done much in the two Test matches so far. The batter has looked good in patches, but the team management will give him one more chance to deliver against Pakistan.

Also Read: How England Beating Pakistan Can Affect India's WTC Final Qualification

Jordan Cox: Arguably England’s best batter in the Test series so far, Jordan Cox has played some key knocks throughout the tour, and he will once again be the key player for the home team as they aim for a series whitewash.

Middle order and all-rounders: Joe Root, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith

Joe Root: 94 runs in 3 innings, at an average of 31.33, define Joe Root’s Test series against Pakistan. The visitors have found ways to dismiss him, but a quality player cannot be down for too long, and the English captain will hope to get back amongst the run-getters.

Harry Brook: The leading run-getter of the series (140), Harry Brook has been the difference-maker for England in the ongoing tour. The batter averages 46.67 and has scored runs at a rapid rate to trouble the Pakistan bowling attack.

Dan Lawrence: Someone needed to replace Ben Stokes in the middle order, and so far, Dan Lawrence has looked solid at number 6. He already has two fifties under his belt in the series, and the batter will aim to finish the series on a high as England aim for a clean sweep.

Also Read: England Announce Squad For 3rd Test Vs Pakistan; Brydon Carse Remains Sidelined

Jamie Smith: The talented keeper-batter, Jamie Smith, has blown hot and cold in the Pakistan Test series, but he still has a fifty to his name in three innings. With just 93 runs under his belt, the English keeper would hope to pile on some more runs in the third Test vs Pakistan.

Bowlers: Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue

Ollie Robinson: Ollie Robinson 2.0 has taken the cricketing world by storm, and Pakistan have become his latest victim. The England pacer has wreaked havoc against the visitors and has already claimed 16 wickets in two matches, with an average of 7.19. Pakistan will have to be wary of him in the third Test match.

Gus Atkinson: Of all the English bowlers, Atkinson has failed to deliver the goods. He has only scalped a solitary wicket in four innings, but the management has backed him once again as his batting prowess could also come in handy in the third Test.

Jofra Archer: It is fair to say that Jofra Archer is back to his best. He has been bowling at a rapid pace and has scared the Pakistan batters with his pace and bounce. In the ongoing series, he has taken 8 wickets, and the visitors will need to play him carefully.

Josh Tongue: If Robinson has taken 16 wickets, Tongue is not far behind, as the tearaway pacer has 13 wickets to his name, with an average of 12.46. He has bowled with consistent lines and lengths, and England would hope he can continue the good work in the series finale.