England v Pakistan 3rd Test - England Player Ratings

The conclusion of the third ENG v PAK Test match at Edgbaston saw Alastair Cook’s England clinch a memorable and improbable win over Pakistan on the final day of the Test match. Cook would later go on to state in his press conference that this was one of the better wins from the England side in recent years.

The 141-run win now witnesses England on top of their opponents especially after having come from behind following a terrible defeat at Lord’s in the opening Test match. Although Cook also pointed out that every player did something special in the match, we take a quick look at the player ratings for the England side.

Alastair Cook – 7.5/10:

The skipper clearly led from the front with the bat as well as in the field, something that clearly attributed to the victory against the opposition. He also smashed an important half-century in the second innings, a knock that set the tone for the Brits gaining the upper hand.

Alex Hales – 6.5/10:

Although he was undone in the first innings by a peach of a delivery from Sohail Khan, Alex Hales made amends with a well compiled 54 in the second innings. This knock could see him cement his place in the side for the fourth Test following a period of bad form with the bat.

Also read – Twitter Reaction: England thump Pakistan on final day to claim victory

Joe Root – 6/10:

Despite the 62 in the second innings, Joe Root has been subdued with the bat for a small period of time now. Since the World T20, all Root has to boast about was a double ton in the second Test and it would seem as though the 25-year old is once again nearing his best form.

James Vince – 5.5/10:

With much speculation regarding his form and selection, James Vince produced a decent effort with the bat in both innings with 39 and 42 respectively. This performance should be enough to see him pull through for selection in the fourth and final Test at The Oval.

Gary Ballance – 6.5/10:

The left-handed batsman’s knock in the first innings proved not only to be the highest score in the first innings by and England batsman, but also the rock of the innings for England. However, he made a decent contribution of 28 in the second innings.

Jonny Bairstow – 7/10:

The wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow went on to claim a record following a wonderfully compiled 83 in the second innings. Behind the stumps, Bairstow was as solid as ever.

Moeen Ali – 8/10:

Moeen Ali’s predicament is his consistency. His performances in the previous Test at Old Trafford saw many calling for his head. However, an unbeaten 86 in the second innings and 2 wickets in the match now means that Ali is a guaranteed starter for the fourth Test.

Also read – England v Pakistan 3rd Test, Day 5 – Statistical Highlights

Chris Woakes – 6.5/10:

In spite of starting the series with a bang, Woakes has now come under the shadow of James Anderson once again. He would go on to make an impact with the ball by taking 5 wickets in the match.

Stuart Broad – 6/10:

Broad was a shining light for the Brits with the ball as he went on to claim 5 wickets in the match. His inswingers, in particular, were supremely troublesome to the batsmen, many of whom missed the outside edge.

James Anderson – 6.5/10:

Perhaps England’s best bowler in recent times, James Anderson’s performance has seemingly gotten better with years. Although he had just the four wickets to show for it, it was clear that Anderson was indeed the leader of the pace attack.

Steven Finn – 6/10:

Having made a comeback to the side for the fourth Test, it was clear that Finn would have to play a massive role should he save his place in the side. However, the fact that he didn’t pick a wicket in the first innings of the Test may well see him dropped from the side yet again.