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‘A perfect storm’: Trescothick refuses to blame England bowlers after Razaullah’s onslaught

September 11, 2026 · The Guardian

Marcus Trescothick, serving as England's interim coach, declined to label his squad's fielding display as embarrassing after Pakistan produced a dramatic late fightback. Trescothick termed the surge an ideal confluence of adverse factors, urging critics to commend the opposing batters instead of focusing entirely on English shortcomings. The resistance pushed the match into a fourth day, leaving England with a target of 130 runs to chase. Pakistan's ninth-wicket partnership produced 121 runs from only 123 deliveries. Making his international debut, 21-year-old Razaullah led the attack with 81 runs, striking four boundaries and clearing the ropes nine times. Alongside him, 36-year-old Mohammad Abbas added 42 runs, which featured a pair of sixes—matching his cumulative total from his prior 46 Test match innings leading into the tour.