England concluded their three-Test series against Pakistan with a mix of individual brilliance and lingering concerns, according to performance ratings from BBC Sport. The match showcased standout performances from several key players, particularly in the middle order and among the bowlers.
At the top of the batting order, Emilio Gay delivered a gritty 60 in difficult conditions during the first innings, a knock that suggested he deserved a spot on the winter tour to South Africa. However, a subsequent duck in the second innings reintroduced doubts about his selection. In contrast, Ben Duckett endured a dismal series, scoring just 11 and zero in the final match and finishing with an average of 8.8 across the three Tests.
Jordan Cox proved pivotal for England, scoring a composed, unbeaten 59 to steady the chase after a early collapse. His work behind the stumps was equally impressive, with five dismissals filling in for the injured Jamie Smith, a performance that may complicate the selectors’ plans regarding the wicketkeeping role. Smith himself scored useful half-centuries in consecutive matches before succumbing to a finger injury in the second innings.
Joe Root continued his status as England’s all-time leading run-scorer, reaching an unbeaten 62 to guide the team home, though his tenth lbw dismissal in 14 innings highlighted a technical vulnerability that requires attention. Harry Brook was the series’ leading run-scorer with 215 runs at an average of 53.75. His most mature innings of the year came on day one, though he was run out on 75—a forgivable error given his prior discipline. Dan Lawrence also impressed with a measured 65, reinforcing his case for a longer stint in the middle order with a series average of 46.75.
The bowling attack was led by Ollie Robinson, who delivered a masterclass in controlling the Dukes ball. Robinson finished the series with 21 wickets at a remarkable average of 8.76, including a breezy half-century on day two. Jofra Archer was equally menacing, particularly with a brutal delivery that dismissed Saud Shakeel, while Josh Tongue added 19 wickets across the series, including a four-for of 4-42 in the first innings of the final Test.
For Pakistan, skipper Shan Masood was the standout performer, producing a defiant 95 in the second innings to lead the tourist score charts. Razaullah Khan, a 21-year-old sensation, mirrored the style of young Waqar Younis with both bat and ball, scoring a mesmerizing 81 featuring nine sixes and taking 4-148 in the first innings. Babar Azam contributed a classy 76, but it was insufficient to save the match, and questions may arise regarding his future as captain. Meanwhile, new recruit Saim Ayub struggled significantly, scoring a pair after returning from the Caribbean Premier League without recent first-class fitness.
Is Duckett’s form really that bad? An average under 9 across three Tests is alarming, but surely there’s hope left for him?
Robinson is on another level with the ball. That 8.76 average is absolutely insane for a seam bowler in these conditions.