England Tighten Grip Over Pakistan In Rain-Hit Lord’s Test

LONDON: (Sports Reporter) – England tightened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, reaching 177-7 in their second innings at stumps on Saturday. Their overall lead stretched to 357 runs, leaving Pakistan facing a difficult task heading into the fourth day.

Dan Lawrence anchored England’s innings with an unbeaten 50, while Ollie Robinson was not out on two when play ended. Harry Brook contributed 34, Emilio Gay made 31 and Joe Root scored 24, while Jordan Cox added 11. Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson were dismissed for seven apiece.

Pakistan’s bowlers made inroads despite the limited playing time. Mohammad Abbas was the standout performer, finishing with 3-48 from 18 overs, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad claimed two wickets each.

Only 24.5 overs were possible on the third day because persistent rain and poor light disrupted proceedings. Despite the interruptions, England managed to strengthen their position and leave Pakistan under considerable pressure.

Pakistan will need to remove England’s remaining three batters quickly on the fourth morning if they are to keep their hopes of victory alive. England, meanwhile, will look to add to their already substantial advantage before declaring or being bowled out.

The visitors’ problems began in their first innings when they were dismissed for just 110 in 37.2 overs, handing England a sizeable 180-run lead.

England had earlier posted 290, with Jamie Smith leading the scoring with 61. Jordan Cox contributed 55 and Gus Atkinson made 45. Abbas claimed four wickets for Pakistan, while Mohammad Ali took three and Khurram Shahzad and Ali Usman picked up one each.

For Pakistan, Azan Awais was the top scorer with 46, followed by Saud Shakeel with 16. Captain Babar Azam managed eight, while Mohammad Rizwan scored seven. Eight Pakistan batters failed to reach double figures.

Shan Masood made one, Abdullah Shafique five, Ali Usman one, Khurram Shahzad one and Mohammad Abbas two. Mohammad Ali was unbeaten on three, while Imam-ul-Haq did not bat because of injury.

England’s attack had earlier dismantled Pakistan’s batting, with Ollie Robinson taking four wickets, Jofra Archer claiming three and Josh Tongue picking up two.

England also won the opening Test convincingly by an innings and 103 runs. They scored 409 before dismissing Pakistan for 171 and then bowled them out for 135 in the second innings.