Watch: Debutant Razaullah dismisses Joe Root for just 8 runs

Ghazi Ghori, Rajaullah, Mohammad Imran and Saim Ayub — these are the four changes in the Pakistan team for the Edgbaston Test. While all eyes were on the revamped Pakistan side, three players were walking out to make their Test debuts. Among them was 21-year-old Razaullah, who had a much bigger moment waiting for him on his first day in international cricket.

Pakistan’s batting once again failed to deliver as the visitors were bowled out for just 133 in 33.5 overs. Eight batters managed only single-digit scores, including all of Pakistan’s top five. But when Razaullah got the ball in his hand, he gave Pakistan something to cheer about. Bowling at around 90mph, the young pacer set a brilliant trap for England’s legendary batter Joe Root.

Razaullah produced the perfect delivery to beat Root and trap him LBW for just eight runs. It was the debutant’s maiden Test wicket, and he could hardly have asked for a bigger name to add to his list. Root’s dismissal quickly became the main highlight of Razaullah’s debut, as the youngster announced himself on the Test stage in style.

Watch the viral video of Razaullah claiming Joe Root’s wicket on his debut:

Debutant Razaullah dismisses Joe Root for just 8 runs in 3rd Test

Handed his debut cap before the start of the final Test, with Pakistan already 2-0 down in the series, Razaullah was introduced into the attack in the 12th over of England’s innings. The 21-year-old pacer quickly caught everyone’s attention, with fans on social media comparing his bowling action to Pakistan legend Waqar Younis because of his side-on action and late wrist flick.

Razaullah then showed why he was being talked about. The young pacer clocked 89mph with his second delivery before touching 90mph with the next, making it the fastest delivery by a Pakistan bowler in the series. He continued to trouble England’s batters and soon had the biggest wicket of his young career in sight.

Razaullah trapped Joe Root LBW with a skiddy delivery that struck the batter on the knee roll. Root reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking showed three reds, confirming that the ball would have hit the leg stump. Chris Gaffaney raised his finger again, sending Root back for just eight runs. It was Razaullah’s maiden Test wicket, and Root had once again fallen LBW for the 10th time in his last 13 innings.

How Razaullah trapped Root LBW — Full breakdown of the dismissal

Razaullah started the over with a short delivery, followed by a good-length ball, with both deliveries aimed around the off stump. The third ball was also short, but Root could not score from any of them. The fourth delivery was another good-length ball, this time clocking 89mph. It nipped back sharply and struck Root on the knee roll as he was beaten for pace.

Pakistan immediately appealed, and umpire Chris Gaffaney raised his finger to give Root out LBW. England decided to review the decision, hoping to save their experienced batter. However, ball-tracking showed three reds, confirming that the ball would have hit the stumps. Root had no choice but to walk back, giving Razaullah his first Test wicket.

Pakistan were delighted to pick up 3 wickets inside 11.4 overs in the final session on Day 1, but Root’s dismissal once again exposed a familiar weakness in his game. Root has been dismissed LBW nine times among his 11 Test dismissals in 2026. That means 81% of his dismissals this year have come through LBW, compared with just 19% of his Test dismissals through 2025. He had also been dismissed LBW twice in the second Test at Lord’s.

Fan and expert reactions to Razaullah's dream Test debut

Razaullah’s impressive debut quickly became a talking point among cricket fans and experts. His dismissal of Joe Root was especially significant, given the England batter’s huge experience and strong record in Test cricket. Fans on social media were quick to praise the young pacer, with many impressed by his pace, bowling action and the confidence he showed against one of England’s greatest batters. Here is how the fans reacted on X:

Speaking after Root’s dismissal at Lord’s, Sky Sports Cricket expert Michael Atherton pointed out that England’s bowlers would be watching the trend closely. He noted that Root, despite having played more than 160 Tests and averaging over 50, could still be targeted by bowlers looking to exploit his weakness against deliveries that move back into him.

Atherton also explained how Test bowling has changed in recent years. He said bowlers once focused more on moving the ball away from the batter and attacking the outside edge, but wobble-seam deliveries have become more common. Razaullah’s dismissal of Root showed exactly how effective such deliveries can be, while fans celebrated the youngster’s dream start to his Test career.