Sonny Baker retained as Brydon Carse misses out of England’s squad for Edgbaston Test against Pakistan

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England have announced a 15-member squad for the third and final Test against Pakistan, with the decisive contest scheduled to take place at Edgbaston from September 9 to 12. Joe Root’s side has already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead after a commanding 194-run victory in the second Test at Lord’s.

The hosts will now have their sights set on completing a series clean sweep. England’s bowling attack was the star of the show at Lord’s, with Ollie Robinson producing a match-winning performance. The seamer returned figures of 4/11 and 4/24 to earn the Player of the Match award and play a major role in England taking control of the series. With momentum firmly on their side, England have largely kept faith with the squad that delivered victory in the second Test.

The most notable selection decision is the continued inclusion of Sonny Baker. The seamer remains part of the 15-man group for the Edgbaston Test, while Brydon Carse continues to be unavailable for selection. Carse was left out of England’s second Test squad following an incident outside a nightclub in Derby on August 22. The 31-year-old was briefly handcuffed by police after the incident and remains under investigation.

His continued absence means Baker gets another opportunity to remain around the England setup as the team prepares for the final match of the series. England have opted against making a direct return for Carse while the investigation remains ongoing.

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The only other change from the previous squad sees Matthew Fisher omitted from the 15-member group. Fisher’s departure leaves England with a strong collection of pace options heading into the Edgbaston Test. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sam Cook, Robinson and Josh Tongue are all included alongside Baker, giving the selectors plenty of variety in the fast-bowling department. Shoaib Bashir provides an additional spin option, while the batting unit remains packed with experience and emerging talent.

Root will once again captain the side as England look to put the finishing touch on an impressive series. Harry Brook, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Dan Lawrence and Jamie Smith provide considerable batting depth, while Jordan Cox and Emilio Gay offer further options. The squad also includes Archer, whose presence adds considerable excitement to England’s attack, particularly if conditions at Edgbaston offer assistance to the quicks.

England squad for the third Test against Pakistan: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Sam Cook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue

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