Gay, Brook put England in command against Pakistan in third Test
Islamabad: Half centuries by Emilio Gay and Harry Brook took England to a first-innings lead against a poor display from Pakistan's batters in the third and final Test of their series at Edgbaston.
On an opening day when 14 wickets fell, Gay and Brook shared a 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their union was broken by exciting Pakistan prospect Razaullah, the 21-year-old quick on debut who removed Joe Root in his first over, then Gay to give Pakistan something to savour after they had been bowled out for just 133 inside 34 overs.
Razaullah was one of three debutants as Pakistan made sweeping changes having sent seven players home after they plunged to a 2-0 deficit in the series. He bowled with eye-catching pace, tricky lateral movement and an energy that belied the crisis his team has found themselves in.
He consistently bowled around the 89mph mark, removing Root with his fourth ball and hitting 92mph on his ninth to keep the best of England's batters on their toes in two impactful spells spanning nine overs and yielding 2 for 42.
By the close of play, England were 156 for 4, a lead of 23 runs with Brook not out 52 and and Dan Lawrence on 5.
Earlier, Josh Tongue took four wickets while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three apiece as Pakistan crumbled, Robinson bowling with the frugality that has been a feature of his summer with his 3 for 15 coming at an economy rate of 1.36. Saud Shakeel was the only recognised batter in the Pakistan line-up to show any resistance with 43 off 47 balls.
