England seal convincing WTC series sweep over Pakistan
The hosts finished the three-match Test series on a high note at Edgbaston.
England wrapped up a 3-0 ICC World Test Championship series win over Pakistan with a comprehensive eight-wicket triumph in Birmingham.
Chasing 130 in the fourth innings, after restricting Pakistan on Day 3, England were pegged back by the Pakistan pacers early on Day 4.
Mohammad Abbas managed to remove both the openers - Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay - with the hosts reeling at 2/2.
Jordan Cox and Joe Root, however, mounted a recovery with their unbeaten third-wicket stand, bringing up their half-centuries to finish what has been an impressive series for the hosts.
It was a second half-century for England captain Joe Root in the ongoing series, who also scored one in England’s win at Leeds, and made a triumphant return at the helm after Ben Stokes called it quits following the New Zealand series.
"To come through it and be so convincing finishing it off was positive," Root said afterwards.
"For us, at the start of the game, if you'd say we're chasing 130, you'd take it. There's lots of information to work with, and it puts us in a nice place for the winter."
For the team, the series sweep follows a disappointing 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia and a 2-1 loss at home against the Black Caps.
"The amount of noise and chaos coming in, the way guys have dealt with that and been clinical to get 3-0 is really pleasing," Root added.
"It's the start of a new era with Stephen Fleming coming in (as new head coach), but we couldn't have done that without what Brendon and Ben did before. We'll keep trying to evolve and improve."
With their recent win, England have added to their Points Percentage (PCT) in the WTC Standings, making it a total of 38.54 as they remain in sixth spot.
Pakistan, meanwhile, are at the bottom of the table, with a PCT of 14.81, having won only two matches, lost six and drawn one out of their nine outings so far in this cycle.
"Coming to England it is difficult for the batters and fast-bowling group," skipper Babar Azam said.
"We need to sit down and admit our mistakes, and then work out our best eleven.
"In different series you need players for the conditions, but the new boys have done well."