England Take Control at Edgbaston After Pakistan Collapse

England took firm control of the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston after 14 wickets fell on the opening day. The Guardian reported that the hosts dismissed Pakistan for 133 before closing on 156 for four, giving them a 23-run lead with Harry Brook unbeaten on 52.

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Pakistan's innings lasted just under 34 overs after England won the toss in helpful bowling conditions. Josh Tongue led the wicket-taking effort with four dismissals, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three apiece. Pakistan's latest batting collapse came after major changes to their touring group, with seven players replaced in the squad and four alterations made to the playing XI for the match.

Robinson returned figures of three for 15 and passed 100 Test wickets during the innings. According to The Guardian, he became the first England bowler since Ian Botham to reach that mark while maintaining a bowling average below 20. Archer also took three wickets despite having publicly expressed concern before the match about Edgbaston's reputation for offering batters favorable conditions.

England's reply was anchored by Emilio Gay, who made 60 from 114 balls and struck nine fours. He added 105 with Brook after Ben Duckett fell while attempting to attack and Jordan Cox was trapped lbw by Mohammad Abbas. The partnership shifted the pressure back onto Pakistan as conditions became brighter later in the day.

Pakistan debutant Razaullah supplied his side's main encouragement. The 21-year-old removed Joe Root with his fourth ball in Test cricket and later bowled Gay around half an hour before the close, finishing the day with two wickets for 42 runs. Gay's innings was his third Test half-century, while Brook remained at the crease after reaching his own fifty.

Only 73 overs were completed despite a rain interruption lasting approximately five minutes, but England still established a clear advantage. The hosts entered the match with an unassailable 2-0 series lead and will resume on day two seeking to build a decisive first-innings margin, while Pakistan need early wickets to prevent the contest moving further beyond them.