England vs Pakistan Third Test Predictions: Cox to steer hosts to series whitewash
Joe Casey
Jordan Cox is averaging 46.33 in this series
Pakistan have lost seven of their last nine Test matches
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England steamrolled Pakistan in the first two Tests of this three-game series, winning by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley before securing a 194-run victory on a difficult pitch at Lord’s in the second.
The visitors responded by making sweeping changes for this third clash but they face a tough challenge in responding against an England bowling attack which has looked potent.
The Edgbaston pitch may be less variable than the previous two, which could extend the game beyond the third day, something which did not happen in the first Test.
The latest England vs Pakistan odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Pakistan sent seven players home after the second Test and replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed with Mike Hesson.
Muhammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Muhammad Awais Jafar, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad have departed.
Their replacements are Saim Ayub, Abdullah Fazal, Arafat Minhas, Mohammed Imran Jr., Said Baig, Mohammad Imran and Razaullah.
Brydon Carse and Matthew Fisher have been omitted from England’s squad, with Sonny Baker called up. Some of the hosts’ pace attack is likely to be rested with the series wrapped up.
The stats
Mohammad Abbas took nine wickets at Lord’s.
England have won six of the last eight Tests between these two sides.
Five of the seven players who Pakistan called up for this game are uncapped.
England have lost the last Test of the summer in the last two years, against India and Sri Lanka.
The latest England vs Pakistan odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
England may choose to rotate, particularly their seam attack, for this final Test against Pakistan.
With the series wrapped up and after some tough conditions in the first two games, there is a possibility that the Edgbaston pitch will be much kinder to batters.
In last summer’s Test at this ground the scores were 587, 407, 427-6d and 271 so it could be a more high-scoring affair than the first two games.
While this game may have a dead rubber feel for some, it could not be more important to Jordan Cox, who is looking to cement his place in this team in Jacob Bethell’s continued absence.
The Essex man made 73 in the first innings at Headingley before scores of 55 and 11 on a tricky Lord’s pitch.
On a friendlier surface and with plenty to play for, Cox looks a solid selection to be England’s top scorer in their first innings.
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