Pakistan cricket faces another difficult challenge as England have left fast bowler Brydon Carse out of their squad for the third and final Test at Edgbaston. England has already secured a 2–0 series lead after dominant victories at Headingley and Lord’s, putting Pakistan under pressure to avoid a clean sweep. The England vs Pakistan series now moves to Birmingham for the final Test, beginning on September 9. Carse’s absence adds another important angle to the contest because the Durham fast bowler remains unavailable while an investigation into an incident in Derby continues. For Brydon Carse, the latest decision means his return to England’s Test side will have to wait.
England Looks to Complete a 3–0 Victory
England have already won the three-match series, but the final Test still carries considerable importance. Joe Root’s side will want to finish the summer series with another victory and complete a clean sweep against Pakistan.
The first two tests have been heavily one-sided. England won the opening match at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord’s. Those results have given the hosts complete control of the series.
The third Test starts at Edgbaston on Wednesday, September 9, and runs through September 13 if all five days are required. England’s official schedule confirms the Birmingham venue as the final stop of the series.
Pakistan’s objective is different. The series is already lost, but a victory would reduce the margin to 2–1 and provide a much-needed positive result after two disappointing performances.
Why Brydon Carse Is Missing Again
Brydon Carse was originally selected for England’s opening two Tests against Pakistan. However, the ECB confirmed that he would not be available for the second test while the Cricket Regulator investigated events in Derby. Sonny Baker replaced him in the squad.
England have now kept Carse out of the squad for the third Test as the matter remains unresolved. The decision does not represent a finding of guilt. The investigation is still ongoing, and that distinction is important when discussing the situation.
Carse is an important part of England’s pace-bowling options. He made his Test debut against Pakistan in Multan in October 2024 and has since developed into a useful fast-bowling option for England. His ability to generate pace and contribute lower-order runs has added value to the side.
For now, England has chosen to continue without him. His return to domestic cricket does not automatically mean an immediate return to international selection.
England’s Squad Gives Them Plenty of Options
England have named a 15-player squad for the Edgbaston Test, with Joe Root continuing as captain. The group includes Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sam Cook, Sonny Baker, Ollie Robinson, and Josh Tongue among the bowling options.
The batting group also contains considerable experience. Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence, Jordan Cox, Jamie Smith, and Emilio Gay give England several combinations to consider.
Shoaib Bashir provides another specialist spin option. England therefore does not need to rely on one particular bowling combination, especially with the series already secured.
The final XI will depend on conditions and England’s assessment of the Edgbaston surface. The hosts could keep the core of the team that has performed so well or use the final match to assess another player.
That flexibility is one of England’s biggest advantages heading into the final Test.
Pakistan Cricket Faces a Difficult Reset
Pakistan cricket enters the match under significant pressure. The team has struggled to compete with England across the first two Tests, particularly with the bat.
The heavy defeats have also increased attention on Pakistan’s team management and selection. The final test now provides an opportunity for changes to produce an immediate response.
Pakistan needs more than one strong individual performance. Their batting has to withstand England’s pressure for longer periods, while their bowlers must create sustained pressure rather than allowing England to control the tempo.
The visitors still have experienced players capable of changing a Test match. But Edgbaston will demand greater consistency from the entire side.
For players brought into the squad or given another opportunity, the match also carries personal significance. A strong performance could influence Pakistan’s selection plans beyond this series.
What Makes Test Cricket Different?
Test cricket remains the longest format of international cricket. A match can last up to five days, with each team normally having two innings.
Unlike one-day and T20 cricket, there is no fixed total number of overs for the match. Teams must manage changing conditions, wickets, fatigue, and time. A side can dominate for several sessions and still find itself under pressure later in the match.
The traditional format rewards patience. Batters need to build long innings, while bowlers must maintain discipline over extended spells.
A test can finish with a win, loss, draw, or, in the rarest circumstances, a tie. That makes the final result dependent not only on runs and wickets but also on how effectively teams use the available time.
For Pakistan, this matters at Edgbaston because England have already demonstrated their ability to build pressure over long periods.
Edgbaston Becomes the Final Test Battleground
Edgbaston is one of England’s major international cricket grounds and will host the decisive final match of the series. The venue gives England a home advantage, while Pakistan will need to adapt quickly to the conditions.
The final Test also gives several England players another opportunity to strengthen their positions. Root remains the experienced leader of the batting group, while Brook has become an increasingly important part of England’s middle order.
Jofra Archer is another major attraction for supporters. His pace and ability to create breakthroughs can change the direction of a test session.
Pakistan, meanwhile, needs their senior players to provide stability. The team cannot afford another match in which England establishes control early and maintains it throughout.
With England already 2–0 ahead, the pressure of the series result has disappeared for the hosts. But the pressure to maintain standards remains.
What Fans Should Watch in the Final Test
The biggest storyline will remain whether Pakistan can finally produce a competitive performance. England have been superior in the first two tests, so the visitors need a significant improvement from the opening session.
Carse’s continued absence will also attract attention. England’s decision confirms that the investigation surrounding the Derby incident remains relevant to his international availability.
The selection of Sonny Baker is another point worth watching. His inclusion gives England a left-arm option and valuable experience around the senior bowling group.
For England, the target is straightforward: win again and complete a 3–0 series victory. For Pakistan, the challenge is to stop the momentum and leave Edgbaston with something to build on.
The final test, therefore, has meaning beyond the series table. England can finish with another statement performance, while Pakistan has a chance to show that the gap between the two sides is not as wide as the first two tests suggested.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Brydon Carse been left out of the third Test?
Brydon Carse remains unavailable for England selection while the Cricket Regulator investigates events in Derby. England have therefore retained Sonny Baker in their 15-player squad for the final Test against Pakistan.
When will England play Pakistan at Edgbaston?
The third and final Test between England and Pakistan begins at Edgbaston on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. The match is scheduled to run until September 13 if five days are required.
What is the England vs. Pakistan series score?
England led the three-match series 2–0 after winning both opening tests. They defeated Pakistan at Headingley before producing another convincing performance at Lord’s to secure the series.
Who is England’s captain for the Pakistan Test series?
Joe Root is England’s Test captain for the series against Pakistan. He returned to the permanent captaincy role for this campaign, with the Pakistan series marking his first assignment in his new spell.
Can Pakistan still win the series?
Pakistan cannot win the series because England has already secured a 2–0 lead. However, Pakistan can win the final Test at Edgbaston and finish the three-match series with a 2–1 scoreline.