Joe Root played a pivotal role as he steered England to an eight-wicket victory over Pakistan.

England lost two wickets in the first over of their chase at Edgbaston on day four, but captain Root came to the rescue to seal a 3-0 series win.

Pakistan debutant Razaullah had kept the tourists in the contest with a fabulous flurry on day three, leaving England needing to chase down 130 for victory.

Yet England's chase began in dismal fashion. 

Ben Duckett edged behind from the first ball of the day, before Muhammad Abbas capped off a fantastic opening over by pinning Emilio Gay (0) lbw.

Pakistan then thought they had dismissed Root with England on 35, but Mohammad Ali was deemed to have overstepped during his run-up.

Root made the most of his reprieve, and combined with Jordan Cox (59 not out) for an unbeaten stand of 128, with England's captain finishing up on 62 as the hosts got over the line before lunch.

3-0 SERIES SWEEP! pic.twitter.com/TTCM4ZHvWb

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 12, 2026

England back on track

Ben Stokes' shock retirement and the removal of Brendon McCullum as Test coach marked the start of a new era for England's red-ball team.

However, Root returning as captain means it is not fully a case of out with the old and in with the new.

And although England wobbled from a position of dominance early in this match, they ultimately had too much for a Pakistan team that finally turned up at the tail-end of this series.

England's three victories in succession means they are at least back on course in the longest format. They managed just two wins in 10 Tests before this run.

Root's work with the bat was vital at times - he scored 166 runs across the series - but his work in the field has seen the 35-year-old go into the record books. He has now taken 220 catches in the longest format, surpassing Steve Smith's previous record haul of 219.