Archive · 9 Sep 2026
Rain Threat Low as England and Pakistan Reach Edgbaston Test
England and Pakistan are preparing to play the last Test match of their series in Birmingham.
England have already won the first two matches, so they lead the series 2-0.
They want to win the final match too and complete a clean sweep.
The weather should be mostly dry on the first day.
There is only a small chance that rain will stop play on Wednesday.
Thursday should also be mostly dry, but Friday may bring more rain.
Pakistan have changed many players and coaches before this match.
These changes come after criticism from Pakistani fans and former cricketers.
The third and final Test between England and Pakistan begins at Edgbaston on Wednesday, September 9.
Wednesday is forecast to bring sunny intervals, clouds, and only about a 10% chance of rain during most playing hours.
Friday could pose the greatest weather risk, with rain expected during the early morning and some potential disruption.
England lead the series 2-0 after wins at Headingley and Lord’s and are seeking a whitewash.
Pakistan have reshuffled their squad and coaching staff, adding five uncapped players and appointing Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke to Test roles.
- Who
- England and Pakistan, with England leading the three-match series 2-0.
- What
- The third and final Test of the series is scheduled to be played, with weather forecasts suggesting limited rain on the opening day.
- When
- The match is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9; Friday, September 11, is forecast to carry the greatest rain risk.
- Where
- Edgbaston in Birmingham, England.
- Why
- England are seeking a series whitewash, while Pakistan are trying to respond after two defeats and major squad and coaching changes.
England’s Position
Pakistan’s Position
Series objective
England’s Position
England enter the match with confidence after winning at Headingley and Lord’s and are aiming to complete a 3-0 whitewash.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan enter the final Test after two defeats and will seek to compete with a significantly reshuffled squad.
Team stability
England’s Position
England are presented as the more settled side after taking a 2-0 lead in the series.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan have introduced five uncapped players, brought back Saim Ayub and Abdullah Fazal, and sent seven players home, including senior names.
Coaching changes
England’s Position
England face a Pakistan side adjusting to changes in its Test coaching staff.
Pakistan’s Position
Pakistan have replaced head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul with Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke, a decision criticized by fans and former cricketers.
Weather impact
England’s Position
Mostly dry conditions on the opening day could help England pursue another result.
Pakistan’s Position
Rain, particularly on Friday morning, could become significant if Pakistan or England need all five days to force a result.
- Match
- Third and final Test between England and Pakistan
- Venue
- Edgbaston, Birmingham
- Series position
- England lead 2-0
- Wednesday forecast
- Sunny intervals and cloud, with temperatures ranging from about 9°C to 17°C
- Opening-day rain chance
- About 10% during most main playing hours and below 5% in the evening
- Main weather concern
- Friday morning, when rain could cause disruption
- Pakistan changes
- Seven players were sent home, five uncapped players were added, and the Test coaching staff was changed