Former captain Cook criticizes England bowling tactics during Pakistan Test
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 11, 2026, 8:02 PM
Last updated Sep 11, 2026
England captain Joe Root faced criticism from former captain Alastair Cook and commentator Jonathan Agnew for tactical decisions made during the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston. On the third day, a ninth-wicket partnership of 121 runs between debutant Razaullah and Muhammad Abbas allowed Pakistan to fight back in the final session. Cook characterized the England approach as lacking a plan and being out of control, noting that the seam bowlers failed to maintain a consistent line against the lower-order batters. Root opted to use part-time spinner Dan Lawrence to take the second new ball, a move described as unconventional by observers. Despite the late defensive struggles, England requires 130 runs on the fourth day to secure a 3-0 series sweep. The team continues to operate under interim coach Marcus Trescothick ahead of a scheduled transition in coaching leadership later this year.
- •Razaullah scored 81 runs from 63 balls on his Test debut at Edgbaston.
- •Pakistan forced a fourth day of play following a 121-run ninth-wicket partnership.
- •England needs 130 runs to complete a 3-0 series victory over Pakistan.
- •Critics questioned the decision to give the second new ball to part-time bowler Dan Lawrence.
- •Stephen Fleming is scheduled to take over as England head coach in December.
- 8:02 PMYahoo Sports — 'Out of control' - Cook questions England tactics
- 7:48 PMBBC Sport — 'Out of control' - Cook questions England tactics
"England had “no plan” and were “out of control” in the face of Razaullah’s stunning hitting on the third day of the final Test against Pakistan, according to former captain Alastair Cook.
"England had “no plan” and were “out of control” in the face of Razaullah’s stunning hitting on the third day of the final Test against Pakistan, according to former captain Alastair Cook.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 11, 2026, 8:02 PM'Out of control' - Cook questions England tactics
England had “no plan” and were “out of control” in the face of Razaullah’s stunning hitting on the third day of the final Test against Pakistan, according to former captain Alastair Cook.
- BBC SportSep 11, 2026, 7:48 PM'Out of control' - Cook questions England tactics
England had “no plan” and were “out of control” in the face of Razaullah’s stunning hitting on the third day of the final Test against Pakistan, according to former captain Alastair Cook.
Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
ICC T20 World Cup•Nov 3, 2026, 7:04 PM'Sportspeople I really admire': Harry Kane admits Virat Kohli's message after winning Ballon d'Or left him star struck- Cricket•Nov 3, 2026, 5:00 PMIndia vs New Zealand 1st ODI 2026 date: Match timings, venue and broadcast details as Rohit, Kohli return
ICC World Test Championship•Nov 3, 2026, 4:44 PM'Past players will start to go at them': Ex-England cricketer warns Australia ahead of 2027 Ashes- ICC•Nov 3, 2026, 4:41 PMCricket Writers' Awards for Robinson, Sharma & Bamber
ICC•Nov 3, 2026, 11:10 AMIndia-Pakistan 2027 World Cup clash draws 84 lakh ticket requests for 34,000-capacity stadium
Cricket•Nov 3, 2026, 8:53 AMSamad to lead Pakistan Shaheens in Rising Stars Asia Cup
