Test Match Special - Clinical England power to series win over Pakistan

Episode Date: August 30, 2026

Daniel Norcross presents reaction to England's second Test win over Pakistan at Lord's and is joined by former England captain Michael Vaughan, former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja and the BBC's chief cricket commentator Jonathan Agnew.Hear from captains Babar Azam and Joe Root as well as Ollie Robinson who was named player of the match with figures of 8-35. Andy Zaltzman breaks down the Test with a stat-attack.

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Well, let's look back on what has been a successful day for English cricket as they've beaten Pakistan by 194 runs here at Lords and they've registered a series victory for the first time in nearly two years. They've taken an unassailable 2-0 lead and alongside me I've got Michael Vaughn, I've got Jonathan Agnew, I've got Rames-Rajor, Michael, let me come to you first, a dominant performance, it was never in doubt. No, it wasn't. I mean I guess you go back to day one when Pakistan won a good toss. England 70 for four. Joe Root and Harry Brooke back in the pavilion.

That was really Pakistan's chance to really get on top of England. But Jamie Smith played great. Jordan Cox played really well in the first innings. And two-ninth here, I think in the conditions that England were asked about in that first innings was probably about 150 over par. They should have really been bowed out for about 140, 150. That was Pakistan's chance that didn't take it. And from there on in, we know that this Pakistan's, batting line up is so vulnerable against this kind of potent

living in four-man attack. Let me just hold you off there Michael because I think Jonathan's with Barbarazim. I am with Barbarazam. Well Baba, disappointing result for you. Yes, very disappointing. I think in first inning we have a very good start. We are a stick in under 200, 250 but in the end again first inning we are not good score and after that we again bowling and I think the way of basketballing, outstanding spell, and then second inning again,

we're not up to the mark with the opening batsman. And then collapse, and then I think the way south playing is showing his class. He showed the way, really, didn't we? Yeah, yeah, to be honest, yes. I look good to watch him like is he good play. Yeah, it's a very good toss to win, but England got 290.

I guess that was probably a few two. many? Yes, you're right. I think we stick 250 because we take early wickets and then I think his tail is playing very good. They put runs on the board and then they stick on 390 sorry 290 and then yes. Can you tell me what you think of England's bowling attack? I know that

the pitches generally have been quite helpful and the conditions but Overall, what do you think the balance of England's pace attack looks like? Very decent bowling lineup because they have three quick bowlers and then Robinson with the same bowler. So they help end condition early on with the new ball. Robinson is using his skills and the rest of they have quality fast bowlers. So yeah, I think a good bowling lineup. Yeah, you must be a bit jealous because you're missing some pace, yes? Yes, unfortunately we have a pace attack not like that, but yes, we have a couple of bowlers back home.

So when we're going back, we are discussing our boarding line-upers looking forward to the test matches and other cricket. So everyone knows if you have like 140, 145 bowlers there, then different ballgame. So you have one or two back at home who might be able to come in? Let's see what we are fine out because we are already looking for this thing. And we are like all Lahashaheen, Naseem Shah, a lot of young bowlers coming. So yeah, we're trying to do. But I think the way Abbas and Mohammed Ali is bowling, I think definitely we appreciate that to bowling. Because Abbas has experienced, Mohammed Ali also have experienced.

also have experience so he utilised very good. Yeah, and it's nice to see Mohammed Abbas get his five wickets and go on the board. Yeah. He's very pleased. Very pleased and I think his hard work, his dedication

and his focus is very high because he's playing a lot of county here. He knows how to bowl, how to control the line and length different pitches. But as a captain, very disappointment for Southskill. So, yeah.

But unfortunately, I must ask you one question. There was a story on the first day about the Sky television showing the film of Imran Khan's sons and maybe Pakistan not wanting to come out to play. Do you know anything about that story? No, I'm not.

I heard that story, but I'm not saying, we are not saying like we're not coming here or not playing. I don't know, but it's rumours. That puts that to rest. Baba, thank you. We'll see it, Edgebaston. Thank you for talking to us.

Thank you, Jonathan. I've got Rami's Rajas, Roger. with me as obviously a very disappointed Barbara Aram he's pointed out that Salachal batted really well Mohammed Abbas bowled really well but to be frank has anybody else played at all well in these first two tests not really he's got to stand up and and face the heat it's as simple as that Barbar Azam remains their best player but the way he got out didn't send strong signals back to the dressing room I'm just gonna cut you off though because Jonathan is with Joe

Rick Joe congratulations a series win after a couple of years that must feel good Yeah, it does feel good and fully deserved as well. I think the guys have been excellent. I actually feel like we had to the worst of the conditions for most of the game. I had obviously a little bit of assistance towards the end there, but we had to work hard for it. Towards the back end, fair play to Saad, I thought he played nicely, but the sort of relentless nature in which the guys kept coming, he always felt like we were going to create chances and we were going to get there in the end. So brilliant performance, nice to start as we have, and we've got to keep rolling forward and looking at

how we can keep improving and building on these two games. Yeah, and to work hard and get $290 in those conditions in the first things was a good effort. Brilliant. Not just that, but even Dan, the way that Dan played in particular, I think he got a really good tempo on that wicket. He clearly had to take a little bit of risk with how naughty it was and how it was playing at that time.

So brilliant to see him come in and show two kind of very contrasting ways of playing, but within his own game frame. you know, for us to amass the amount of runs that we have in the conditions that we've had to deal with are things been really impressive. So, again, we'll have a new set of challenges and conditions to deal with when we get to Edgebaston. Can we evolve again?

Can we adapt to what's in front of us? And can we keep sort of broadening what we've already achieved so far in this series? We all felt very sorry for Emilio Gay. I mean, he's working hard, he's playing nicely, and then you get something like that. And sometimes, You have seasons where it's just hard for batting.

And you look at the amount of movement that's been throughout the summer, particularly here at Lords. And you're at the top of the order against a fresh bowlers, against a fresh ball and sometimes a fresh pitch as well. Here's the hardest time to bat. And I think you've got to have context around everything. And the way that he's playing, the way that he's lining it up, and that 30 on that pitch is worth a lot more.

It's almost equivalent of a 70 on a flat wicket. I think that's important to remember as well. And it's the same throughout the batting order, to be honest. So in the context of the game, I think it was a brilliant knock and he should take a lot of confidence from it. Yeah, good. Let's talk about, well, your situation. You know, you work so hard at your game.

These LBWs with the keeper standing up, is that starting to niggle away at you and you're trying to work out of a way why it's happening and what you're going to do? Well, clearly you're always looking to improve and you're always looking to evolve your game and find ways of making it difficult for bowls to bowl to you.

Four of which I think have been umpires' core, three of which have been here in these conditions where it's moving significantly. I think, again, you've got to look at it from a realistic point of view. Clearly, there's a trend there, and it's happened a couple of times, but to what extent is it something

to really, really concerned about? You know, if I was getting out like that and other ways, then that's even more concerned. of course I'm aware of it but I've got 14,000 runs for a reason I can play and I've managed to get through difficult phases throughout my whole career and I don't see this have been any different

and it's working with Rolly Robinson and that whole tactic having a keeper up I mean, cruecky, how is he bowling at the moment? It's bowling beautifully but you know you asked good questions of guys' defence for long periods of times on a wicket that gives you assistance you're going to cause problems and he's been phenomenal

relentless, yeah And great contrast with the other guys at the other end. It's where you've got 90 mile an hour from the other three fellas. Even Gus today bowling 92 miles an hour at times, it's really impressive stuff. And I think it's a really well-balanced attack. So the more they can complement each other and dovetail and sort of complement each of the skill sets,

it's only going to be a good thing for us moving forward. It's just, I suppose, getting used to it, seeing how it works, having a good understanding of it. For me as a captain, for them as bowlers, and for us as a side. And the more that that happens, I think the better for it will be. You've got to go, quiet night tonight?

Yeah, of course. Thank you, Joe. Thank you, Jonathan. Quiet night tonight, yes. I dare say it will be. Michael Vaughn, England, had been sensational, really, in this match. If you took out Saad Shaquil's 97, they bundled Pakistan out for basically under 100 without 97.

They bowled them out for 110 in the first innings. They've had them out for under 200. And the two innings up at Headingley. They feel irresistible at the moment. Is that because they're playing really well or is it because Pakistan have been abjected? I think a bit of both are going to play them really well. The bowlers are all confident

and then obviously Pakistan's batting is it's brittle. I think England know that they can get in amongst them and when you're looking at Babra Azam who's not in fine form, who's a class act. I think England know that they can target the captain. You're going to speak to a bowler. Olli Robinson with his third man of the match of the summer. Three men of the match.

What a summer? Yeah, it's been a pretty special one, isn't it? And a baby. And a baby, yeah, a lot's going on. But I couldn't be proud of what I've done the last few months. Coming back into the team after a lot of hard work and obviously thought my career was sort of done with England. So to come back in and putting these match winning performances,

it's really special. Yeah. I mean, do you feel you're proving some kind of point in any way? I mean, what's going on in your head is running up and taking all these wickets? I'm just trying to be ultra-consistent and just do my job, I suppose. I think in the past, maybe got carried away. with everything else going on around me. But I think at the moment, I'm just trying to focus on doing my job, being ultra-consistent.

Sometimes the wickets will come to me, sometimes I go to the other guys. And at the moment, they're coming to me. So it's also a great attack to be a part of, I think, with the high pace that the other guys have got and skill as well. It helps me a lot. I can sort of bowl very defensive, be very patient. And that's kind of what I've done my whole career. So it really helps me out as well. And when times do get hard, which they will,

what are you going to take away from your mindset as it is set at the moment that will help you through that, do you think? I think just consistency and the skill that I know that I've got. I've got more in my armoury than I'm showing at the moment I would say. Obviously, these pitches.

Really? Are you swinging it both ways? Are you nipping it both ways? But I'm buying a lot of wobble seam on these pitches. They're helping a lot. I think on flatter pitches, I would swing it more and maybe try and go up and up and down the gears a little bit to play with the batters and things like that. So the pitches have helped a lot

with sort of my... how I bowl. But yeah, it's just been amazing to get a few wins and play some test cricket again. Well, it's been a pleasure watching, Ollie. Well done. Congratulations. Enjoy that. Well done. Cheers. Bye-bye. Ollie Robinson has been absolutely sensational. I've got Phil Tuftan alongside me. He said just there.

But the pitches have been assisting him. He's got lots more in his armour, he says, on other pitches, on flatter pitches. He'd been bowling swing and whatnot. He doesn't need to do anything different at the moment, does he? Well, no, absolutely. What a summary is having. but he's a very, very skillful bowler. He's a bit of a throwback, isn't he? You know, what I'm going to do is run up and bowl

and hit the top of off stump, challenge your technique. I'm not going to give you any free sort of scoring four balls to just whack around. I'm going to tie you down, and if you want to come for me, well, you're going to have to take a risk. And it's just worked like a charm for him this summer. He's bowled, absolutely beautifully. And I think you're right.

I mean, he's got that wobble seam. He can swing it. He's got it all there. Rami Zarja, I've got to come back to you. Have Pakistan got any better between the first and second tests? Are they learning on the job? Is anything getting better? I mean, tail end is still woefully short of anything.

Openers are struggling, except for South Shakil. And the real minus was how Barbar Azam got out. I mean, that really didn't go down well with me at all. So, you know, just here I was telling him, get the tennis ball out and start practicing the pull and the hook shot. I mean, you will be targeted again. And that's the beast side of the game. They see a shot coming and they seize on it.

But Pakistan's performance just slightly better. Maybe Abbas is Fyfer, South Chickles 90 odd. But other than that, you're on the losing side. People forget about this Fyfer in 90s. Bob is the Smith or Michael Vaughman. There was a short ball and it's going to encourage England to bowl more of them at him come edgebast. And it must have happened to you in the past, where you,

might have got there to tangle about it with a short ball? I mean, what do you do to remedy this? I mean, you also go on the back of his hand injury. You know, he missed the first test with a bruised hand, so he's been hit on those hands quite a few times. He got himself in a real pickle, but when you're facing Geoffrey Archer from the pavilion end here at Lowe's, he's not the last battle that's going to get in a pick-up,

particularly right-hand of where the ball follows you down the slope. No, he was in two minds, doesn't he? Does he stand up and play? Does he play the pull shot? the one thing that you have to be to the short ball is ultimately committed. You've either got to get out the way and sway and weave or you've got to be completely committed to playing the pull shot and the aggressive shot.

But for Pakistan to compete that little bit harder, you know, Babba's going to have to get a big score. You know, for them to get the 300 pluses, Babba's going to have to get a number by his name. Ramies, what was it about that dismissal that so disappointed you? It's the way he got out. I mean, you know, so there's a thing about, being scared of the short ball and being off balance and not being able to reach Joffra Archer's

bouncer, given that Joffra Archer doesn't have a lot of variation, doesn't change his bowling style when he's bowling that shot ball, but you've got to be in a better position. He was just squared up and then he took his eyes off the ball and so that to me indicates that he's not really good against short pitch bowling and I'm sure England will once again trying to target it. You're listening to the TMS podcast from BBC Radio 5 Live. Get more with BBC podcasts, wherever you listen. Be the first to listen to your favourite shows,

like evil genius, good bad billionaire, and you're dead to me, with a subscription to BBC Podcasts Premium on Apple Podcasts. You can also enjoy a range of our podcasts, ad-free, with an Amazon music subscription. Jonathan Agnews alongside me. England had two test matches underage. show much. Do you think that they would have played differently if Ben Stokes had been captain and Brendan McCullum have been the coach than the way they've played here now?

Well I think possibly. I mean it's a difficult question is it but I did think the way they battle through in that first in first innings in very difficult conditions and also at Headingley as well the way they batted there were ways an approach that you probably wouldn't have seen certainly the last couple of years and that's that's really good news you know that's I think it's what you know that's really what you want to what to see. I mean, what we've been talking for for the last couple of years, isn't it? Just, you know, playing, playing for

the match, playing for the situation, playing for the conditions. And I think they've done precisely that in these two games. Everyone keeps knocking Pakistan. You know, and then, they're not a very good team at the moment. And you do want to see, you know, possibly doing it against stronger opposition. But at the moment, they're getting momentum.

Ollie Robinson's walking on cloud nine, isn't he? You know, there's lots of good stuff going on. But I do take your point, and I think you're right. I think that whether they'd have played like that or not in the previous regime, that can't really be answered. The fact is they have done it in his last two test matches, and that's a good thing. There's been one minus for England across this series, because let's face it, everybody they brought in has had a score at some point,

Jordan Cox, Dan Lawrence, etc. The bowlers have been splendid. Amelia Gaye's had some rough dismissals. But the one minus has been Joe Root and his batting and he's getting out LBW. You spoke to him. Did you think he felt a bit rattled when you asked a question? It's one of those questions that you ask of, you know, someone like, you know, as good as Joe Root, and he's not going to say, oh, yeah, I don't know what's going on.

You know, I can't get bat on ball. He's not going to say that. You know, he's going to come up with the thousands of runs that he's scored. As he said, I've got so many runs, you know, 14,000 runs. I'm a decent batsman. And so, yeah, he's not going to allow himself to get negative thoughts about it. However, we've all seen Joe Root. We know how hard he works.

I mean, bet your life that he'll be doing what he can to try and prevent from me. what is it, nine LBWs in the last seven tests. So it's so many of his last nine innings and one of the others was a runout. I mean it's a high number which goes entirely against the way that he has played his whole career.

So inevitably he's going to get more of it. He's right, the pitches have helped. They have helped that little bit of nibble and the wicket keeper standing up. You know, it has been a bowler's summer. But it'll be gnawing away at him a bit, certainly, because we're now talking about it. Yeah, and I don't quite know

what the solution is. We have discussed this on previous podcasts. He's got another test match to go. If he gets out of the LBW twice again at EdgeBaston, then are we sort of like really sounding the alarm bell, Michael? Oh, you're working out. I mean, he's always overcome problems, and I'm pretty sure he'll overcome this one.

It is an issue because it's happening on a regular basis, but he's had issues in the past that he's managed to come back from. So no question, it'll be fine in time. it'll just be, possibly in South Africa, it might not happen as much. You know, the vouncier pitches, they've got quite a pacey attack. I can't think that they've got too many bowlers

where the keeper stood up. Maybe they'll bring one in because of that. If I was playing against England, I'd certainly want at least one bowler in my attack that would produce this tactic because I think it's causing a few problems obviously within the England batting line. I think the one trepidation that I have down from,

obviously the victory is the first two victories of this summer, the one at Lords was a problem, and then the one at Hedley, there was a problem. Third time lucky for the England team. They've won a game. Just stay in. Stay and have a nice quiet one.

Instead of having a quiet night. I have a quiet one. I don't want to be picking up the papers tomorrow morning or mid-afternoon on social media and seeing a few clicks. Won a good series, but just have a quiet night. Now, Rames, we started to talk about this, then Barbara Azzam came and chatted to us. What have Pakistan got to do?

They've got a little bit of time off. They've got to have it. It's not until a week on Wednesday. But it's been so dismal and they've got two bright sparks have come out of this, Marmad Abbas and South Shaquille. But they've going to have to find a different method and they have to do it very quickly aren't they or else this could be really horrific if they lose a third one by a big margin that that's going to be big alarm bells.

So they've got problems on two tiers, emotional and technical, right? So first thing that needs to be looked at is social media, not really need anything in this little gap. Go and practice hard. Just think about the game, just think about winning. You know, just get in there with your minds around cricket and obviously talk about cricket. That is such an important aspect. I think you've got to have intelligent people around you. Maybe seek help from outside. Get a Michael Vaughn in there, for example, in one of those team meetings, in a betting expert or get a bowler there, Stuart Broad, to tell them, you know, where to bowl, how to get it better. Because I remember once we were having a tough time during the 92 World Cup

and Imran summoned in Viv Richards just before the Australian game and the idea was to G-S-Up. So if Viv told us that, look, you can do this, it meant a great deal to the entire camp. And so those kinds of things may just help. Just sink yourself in practice sessions one after the other and then specialist practice also. Like Barbar Azam, for example, who knows that he'll be targeted again. perspective or whether it's a dull pitch or a quick pitch.

So look after that shorter length. It'll be Joe Frager, it'll probably be bowling extra three-four oversw him when he's out there. And so he's got to sort it out himself. Play for pride. Play for each other. Show some guts. Inspired leadership is needed. Inspired innings are needed.

Are there any changes as well, though? Because, I mean, ordinarily, in a situation like this, you end up at the 2-0 down, there are squad members here. There's the opportunity here to get some experience in English conditions. and some youngsters maybe in that squad. Do they roll out the flagpole and do the SOS? Don't think so. I think Imam will not be fit.

I don't think he'll make it for the third test matches. Salman Aliaga is your best option. He's played about 30-40 test matches. He's got a bit of experience. He's a good slip catcher as well. So use him again and get him cracking. I think it's important that they sort of gee each other. In such a situation, you can only help yourself.

Nobody is coming from the aisles really to sort stuff out for you or the cricket board or the administration. It's you, the players, need to up the ante. And there's no bowler on the horizon because it is noticeable, isn't it? When you contrast England's attack with Pakistan's, it feels a bit more toothless. No, no. I think Ubed Shah is also like 80, mid-80s at maximum speed. So, I mean, obviously, Pakistan handcuffed in that department. Jonathan, England, do they need to make any changes?

They like to make any changes. They're 2-0 up. Well, I hope they don't. But sometimes when you're ahead, sometimes you do get that thing at the end of a season. There's question of resting play. They're starting to put something together. Let's see that happening.

You know, England win 3-0. Same team. I don't see what the point is of resting anybody. There's 10 days between the matches. I don't know. Maybe that's old school to be like that. But I would just much rather than get to get a team together and stick with that team.

It's a brilliant attack. So no one like Sonny Baker or Sam Coo. Why? Why? I don't like giving test caps away, you know? You earn the right to play. And for these fellas, they've got to get used to bowling together. They're doing it very well so far. Joe Root's got to get used to captaining this attack together.

It's his first choice attack. Well, play it. Well, I mean, look, Australia have been playing Hazelwood Stark, Cummins and Lion as a for some time and time and time. So again, haven't they? No, so yeah, the strange thing is, they've only just alighted upon this particular menu, if you like, or the ingredients, and there we are already asking questions about whether anybody should be rested, but it does feel that somehow, almost by accident, England have

got together four very contrasting scene bowlers that could be the blueprint for how they play, not just last test of summer, but out in South Africa and when they play Australia next summer. Yes, I mean, medium pace of high quality, very tall, Oli, obviously, and difficult to pick. And then you've got pace and then determination and the batting is clicking as well. So why change when things are working? I suppose one other area of slight concern would be Emilio Gay. Well, he got a massive endorsement from Joe Root there. He did.

You know, he said that third job was worth 70. So I don't think you can get much more of an endorsement. than that and he got a ball that virtually went underground. So, you know, they've picked him out. They could have picked one or two others, but they've gone for him. He looks the part to me. I mean, I don't know if he'll see someone who'll play 50 or 60 tests. I don't know.

But it would be wrong to bin him now. I think he should play the next test. And probably start in South Africa and see how he goes because they do need to see him on harder pitches against faster bowling than he's been facing so far. Batters have been straight all over the world. We've seen it in Australia. I mean, the Sheffield Shield,

I don't think anyone's averaging over 30. But it doesn't feel like this can be good for test cricket ultimately because, you know, England are playing a lot of their test matches on these surfaces where players aren't getting used to building long innings. Now they're going to come up at some point England's players off latter decks. They exist around the world. And there is, again, I'm sort of trying to find negatives on a day when England have won the series, a tune in luck with one to go. But there is something a little bit unsatisfying about these very low scoring matches on these. very, very challenging pitches. And it's a trend we're seeing in other parts of the world as well, but it's

not going to be everywhere. When England play in South Africa, I imagine the pitches will be really quite different. Yeah, I mean, it's a worry in poorer techniques, batting techniques, the result of T20 cricket and short form. The defensive technique of the modern batsman is nothing like

as secure as the test bat sort of 20 years ago. So they're going to get out more cheaply, they're going to get out more quickly than they were. I mean, so on Olly Robinson and just plugging away, exposing frailties in technique, is exactly what you need. You're right. It has been a bowler's summer for two reasons.

A, first of all, the drought and the pitches that resulted from that. And now, of course, the damp that we've had here. So it's been a difficult summer for the batsman. Well, you make a strategy to win. So that is paramount. You know, good teams, don't worry about individual brilliance. They look at the entire makeup. and say, so Pakistan clearly on a green pitch,

let's unleash fast bowling. Let's unleash Joffra Archer, because we've got to pick up 20 wickets to win the game. So I think from that perspective, England have done remarkably well. Yes, it's been tough for some of the newcomers who've been on kind of a trial. But overall, I don't have a problem with this

because it makes of interest in cricket, it tests out newcomers as well, you know, how technically good they are. Temperament is tested. So, I mean, if you want to look at it, negatively, there are a few positives also. And I think at the end of the day, you win. And that is the most critical part of it.

You know, Abbas's five wickets on the honours board is not going to work in favor of Pakistan. Yeah, I mean, it can be a good reference point for about 20 minutes in the team meeting, but nothing more than that. If you had won, obviously that five, four would have meant a great deal. So I mean, overall strategy, I agree with England.

Unleashed pace, unleash green track. Let's see our Pakistan operate. Thank you, Ramesh. I'm going to let Rameson Jonathan go now we're going to go up to Andy Zolzman to get his statistical takes on it feels like this summer is the statistics are all about short innings size been bowled out for next to nothing what have you got for me today Andy well yeah so picking up on the various themes that you've been been talking about this match we saw a wicked every 34.8 delivery is the fifth lowest ever in a test

at lords but only the second lowest of the two tests this summer was every 24.9 balls against New Zealand. This ground has turned into basically, you know, one of the hardest grounds for batting in the history of certainly modern test cricket. And we're seeing some some 19th century style stats the early years of cricket when bowlers dominated. Olli Robinson in this match, eight for 35 across the two innings in 27 overs. That's the second best match figures ever by a player without a five-foot in the match. Shane Warren had 8 for 24 against Pakistan in Sharjah about 25 years ago. Robinson Summer so far 23 wickets for 192 runs at an average of 8.3 runs per wicket in each of the, well, his match figures in the

three games he's played, 7 for 77, 8 for 80, 8 for 35, the three best match figures of his career and a very short list of bowlers who've taken seven or more in three consecutive matches without conceding 100 runs in any of those games. Murillitharan, Ashwin, recently two spinners. And then you're going to go back to the 19th century, George Lohman. The man we like to talk about, Charles the Territurna is on that list as well. So, yeah, extraordinary. The last England bowler with over 20 wickets and a three test sequence at an average under 10

was Angus Fraser and the last to do so. At a lower average 20 wickets plus in three matches was Tony Locke back in the 9th. 1950s and you've got to go back to Locke in 1958 he had 34 wickets at 7.4 for a lower average in an English English test summer and the only other ones below Robinson's current average obviously that might change after Edgebaston we're in the 1880s so yeah we are seeing I mean Robinson has exploited these conditions phenomenally

isn't and he was talking about it'd be really interesting to see how he fares on a on a different pitch and it sounds like he's got got got plans so it'll be fascinating to see but Pakistan have now batted the grand total of 173.5 overs in the series in four innings. They narrowly, by five balls, avoided becoming only the third team since the 19th century to be bowled out in under 50 overs in four consecutive test innings. But that figure, 173.5 overs, after two tests of a series, since South Africa in the 19th century, only two teams have been dismissed more quickly in the first two tests of a series. in what now, almost 130 years of test cricket.

So it's been disastrous for Pakistan with the bat, despite Sao Shaquil's fine innings. So they hit two sixes in three balls from Josh Chung, having hit two in his entire test career before that, and only one of them off a pace bowler in almost 4,000 balls faced. And, yeah, just a couple more thing. Well, to put it in context, and Pakistan's batting has been disastrous in this series.

But Harry Brooke and Joe Root, the current numbers one and two in the... world batting rankings. In the two tests at Lords this summer, between them made 142 for 8 at an average of 17. And these two players with career averages over 50. And that sort of puts in context quite how difficult this ground has been. I'm looking at the scene deviation statistics, just looking at the first 60 overs of innings across games, because none of the innings went long here and you'd expect pitches to flatten. So try and compare like with like. There's never been a test in England in the ball tracking era, which goes back over 20 seasons now,

with more lateral deviation for seam bowlers than we've seen in this test. And as a result of that, very little spin, two overs from Dan Lawrence in this game, one in the previous game, three overs of spin by England in the first two tests of the series. Only once in their history of they bowled less spin in the first two tests for a series. That was in West Indies in 1990, and there was not a single over of spin in the first two tests. So, yeah, I know a good win for England, but some very curious and slightly unsettling cricket. Well, it has been, it has been very curious and unsettling. It's been very entertaining as well,

and it's ended with England, winning a first series win since November 2024. The TMS podcast from BBC Radio 5 Live. What's that saying about not letting the truth get in the way of a good story? Well, I'm Coral Prince, and I'm in the way. Online I catch out some of the biggest names in football, holding their tall tails to account. But now the tables have turned. Can I spot the truth from the lies?

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