Razaullah introduces himself as Pakistan thrive in chaos

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'He's become a star' - watch the best shots of Razaullah's stunning innings

ByTimothy AbrahamBBC Sport journalist at Edgbaston

Published25 minutes ago

Cancel the tee booked at the Belfry, rearrange the trip to Cadbury World and abort the shopping jolly to the Bullring.

The reason? Pakistan debutant Razaullah and 'Razball'.

England's bowlers were thwarted by a Pakistan side who mixed batting belligerence with brilliance and instead of a Saturday off must reconvene at Edgbaston for day four.

The brilliance was provided by Razaullah, who produced a dizzying knock to breathe life into the third Test and lift the spirits of Pakistan supporters everywhere. A new hero, a new hope.

Bazball might be on its way out, but has Birmingham might just witnessed the birth of new phenomenon during two hours of unbridled chaos during which he made a stunning 81 off 63 balls coming in at number nine.

A raw 21-year-old with just eight first-class matches to his name, better known as a tearaway fast bowler reminiscent of Waqar Younis, was probably not a name on the radar of England's bowlers when he was called up amid wholesale changes made by Pakistan heading into the final Test.

After some blistering strokeplay when he took down the home side's attack, they certainly know who he is now.

There were shades of Shahid Afridi and Saeed Anwar in the flamboyant nature of the way Razaullah flayed England to all parts.

He took three bats to the crease but broke two with his explosive hitting.

"It's the first time he's been out there for Pakistan ever, and absolutely lights up the show. This is the attitude that was needed," said former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja said on BBC Test Match Special.

"Someone with a strong body language and who believes in himself. They'll want him playing all formats because he's a natural in mind, body language and attitude. It was a tremendous fightback."

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Highlights: Razaullah stars as Pakistan fight back against England

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'Pakistan have unearthed a gem'

At times when Razaullah - who has one first-class century - was going berserk England captain Joe Root wore the expression of a chess player waiting for someone to tell him it was his move.

Root stationed eight fielders on the boundary at one point - but it did not deter Razaullah as he brashly swaggered at the crease with the arrogance of youth.

This was a special innings.

Razaullah's nine sixes is the joint-most ever in a Test innings in England. The other is Ben Stokes' famous 155 with nine against Australia in the Ashes Test in 2023.

He hit as many sixes as Sir Geoffrey Boycott did in his 108-Test career.

Perhaps being so far behind, and expected to capitulate, liberated Pakistan. There was a freedom to their batting hitherto unseen in this series so far.

Shan Masood played with admirable application with a stoic 95 while captain Babar Azam, weight lifted off his shoulders, made 76.

Yet it was the swashbuckling Razaullah who really captured the imagination.

"England are going to win this Test match, I'm sure," said former England captain Michael Vaughan.

"But, Razaullah has given Pakistan cricket some hope. They've unearthed a gem and he will be a superstar for many years."

Even Razaullah's dismissal was pure theatre lapped up by the crowd. Reprieved lbw to Dan Lawrence he danced down the pitch and was stumped next ball.

The young Pakastani left the fielding to the warmest ovations.

In another world he might have been playing for Cleethorpes in the Yorkshire Cricket Southern Premier League having signed for the 2026 season only to be called up to a national training camp in May.

Those with tickets for Saturday must have thought the prospect of seeing any play was remote when Pakistan offered a meek surrender on day one.

Steam rolled for 133 just after lunch in Birmingham on Wednesday they looked rudderless against opponents who were ruthless.

Doubtless many punters will have had started to make other plans in the expectation this would all be over swiftly, especially when England racked up 453.

Yet now they are in the black, and with 129 to defend have an outside chance of what would be the most famous of victories.

It's tempting to look at Pakistan cricket through a certain prism, yet when moments like these arrive it's impossible not to. Through the emotional ringer again - despair to hope in the space of three days.

"There wouldn't be any person in the world that would've thought we'd go to day four," added Vaughan.

"That is what Pakistan cricket is. They have had a difficult few weeks. The team has been in turmoil. That is why I love Pakistan cricket.

"England will look back at a lot of the tactics and realise they got it wrong. The short stuff, one over of spin, the second new-ball with the spinner. That day today will make the England team realise there is a long way to go to be world class."