England faced a challenging day in the third Test against Pakistan, with former captain Alastair Cook criticizing the team's lack of strategy in response to Razaullah's explosive batting. On Day 3 at Edgbaston, the 21-year-old debutant, batting at number nine, scored a remarkable 81 runs off 63 balls, helping to secure a vital ninth-wicket partnership of 121 runs with Muhammad Abbas.

As England aims for a 3-0 clean sweep in the series, they now find themselves needing 130 runs for victory. Critics have raised concerns about Joe Root's captaincy, especially given his previous tenure, and questioned his decision-making during the crucial moments of the match.

Cook remarked, "You can get done by the tail - it's very hard when people have the license and ability to hit sixes. What I saw was no plan; it got out of control." He emphasized the need for leadership from the coaching staff, particularly with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim head coach.

The tactics employed by England during the partnership were puzzling. The seamers adhered to a short-ball strategy while fielders remained positioned on the boundary. Additionally, Root's decision to hand the second new ball to part-time off-spinner Dan Lawrence, rather than to standout seamer Ollie Robinson, drew sharp criticism from Jonathan Agnew, who labeled the approach as "appalling."

Agnew stated, "You cannot and should not bowl like that to tailenders as soon as they come in. It was bitterly disappointing. If you're looking for any aspect of the day that is utterly bonkers, that is it."

As the match heads into a fourth day, questions linger about England's tactical choices and leadership on the field.