Cricket
England vs Pakistan 3rd Test Preview: Edgbaston Predictions and Best Bets
England head to Edgbaston looking to complete a 3-0 series sweep against Pakistan in the final Test of the summer, having already secured the series with emphatic victories at Headingley and Lord’s.
The hosts are overwhelming favourites to finish the job in Birmingham, with Pakistan making wholesale changes to their touring party following a difficult first two Tests. England’s dominance so far has been reflected in the market, and it is difficult to see past another home victory.
England overwhelming favourites
England are just 1/5 to win the Third Test, with Pakistan available at 6/1 and the draw priced at 7/1.
For those looking for an alternative angle, England are also 1/9 in the Draw No Bet market, while Pakistan are 11/2.
The prices tell the story of the series so far. England won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs before following that up with a 194-run victory at Lord’s, putting them firmly in control from the outset. They now head to Edgbaston with the opportunity to complete a comprehensive whitewash.
Pakistan’s response to their two defeats has added another layer of uncertainty, with major changes made to both the squad and coaching set-up ahead of the final Test. That could bring fresh energy, but it also leaves the visitors facing the difficult task of finding cohesion against a settled England side.
Root leads England’s batting market
The England first-innings top run-scorer market is headed by Joe Root, who is priced at 14/5.
England’s captain remains one of the most reliable batters in world cricket, and his ability to build substantial innings makes him an obvious contender to lead the scoring at Edgbaston.
Harry Brook is next at 10/3 and has the attacking game to take a match away from Pakistan in a single session.
Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox are both available at 9/2, while Emilio Gay is priced at 24/5.
With England’s batting firing throughout the series, there are plenty of options, but Root’s class and consistency make him difficult to oppose.
Robinson the bowling standout
The first-innings top England bowler market looks particularly competitive.
Ollie Robinson is the 12/5 favourite and that price is easy to understand given his outstanding form across the opening two Tests.
Robinson has taken 16 wickets in the series so far, with his accuracy and ability to exploit movement causing Pakistan’s batting line-up consistent problems. At Edgbaston, those qualities could once again prove decisive.
Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson are both 14/5, while Josh Tongue is available at 29/10. Dan Lawrence is the outsider of the group at 8/1.
England’s pace attack has been one of the major stories of the series, combining Archer’s speed with Robinson’s seam movement and the different challenges offered by the rest of the attack.
The prediction
Everything points towards England completing the clean sweep.
Pakistan’s wholesale changes could make them more unpredictable, but England have been comfortably the stronger side throughout the series and head to Edgbaston with momentum firmly behind them.
Joe Root looks the standout choice to lead England’s first-innings scoring, while Ollie Robinson’s remarkable series makes him the most appealing selection in the top bowler market.
Prediction: England to win, Joe Root to be England’s first-innings top run scorer and Ollie Robinson to be England’s first-innings top bowler.
*Prices accurate at time of writing – odds subject to change*
