LONDON, Rain dominated day three of the second Test at Lord’s, with only 24.5 overs possible as England extended their lead to 357 runs with three wickets remaining against Pakistan.
Play started late after the entire first session was washed out. England resumed on 81-3 and closed on 177-7 in 46.5 overs, adding 96 runs for the loss of four wickets before rain ended play for the day.
Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s standout bowler, taking 3 wickets to keep his side in the contest. He struck early in the day to remove overnight batter Emilio Gay for 31, trapping him lbw in the 23rd over. Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence then rebuilt with a 45-run stand off 73 balls. Brook looked set on 34 off 56 with 5 fours before Abbas had him caught behind in the 36th over.
Abbas struck again soon after, as Jamie Smith fell for a quick 21-run partnership with Lawrence. Shan Masood took a sharp catch at square leg to send Smith back.
Dan Lawrence anchored the England innings and remained unbeaten on 50 off 66 balls, hitting 6 fours and 2 sixes. He farmed the strike as wickets fell around him.
Mohammad Ali claimed the other wicket to fall, bowling Gus Atkinsonfor 7 in the 45th over.
Rain arrived in Ali’s next over and forced the players off. With no further play possible, stumps were called early.
England lead by 357 runs with two days still remaining, England are firmly in control of the match and the three-Test ICC World Test Championship series. Pakistan will need early breakthroughs on day four to have any chance of forcing a result.
