BIRMINGHAM: Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence accelerated England’s scoring as the hosts tightened their grip on the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Thursday.
England already lead the three-match series 2-0. The hosts began the second day at 156-4 after Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings.
Lawrence Reaches Fifty as England Accelerate
Brook and Lawrence resumed the innings and immediately put Pakistan under pressure.
England scored quickly on a sunny morning in Birmingham. Lawrence reached his half-century from just 47 balls, hitting eight fours.
However, England soon suffered a setback when Brook ran himself out for 75. The batter was closing in on his 11th Test century.
Brook flicked the ball towards mid-wicket and immediately set off for a run. However, he failed to make his ground.
Saim Ayub collected Shan Masood’s throw and removed the bails to complete the run-out.
Brook threw his bat into the air in frustration. His dismissal ended an 86-run partnership with Lawrence.
Jamie Smith Keeps England Attacking
Jamie Smith joined Lawrence after Brook’s dismissal. England’s scoring slowed briefly, but Smith quickly showed his attacking intent.
The wicketkeeper-batter launched Mohammad Ayub’s delivery straight back over the bowler’s head for six.
Lawrence then departed for 65. He chopped a delivery from Mohammad Imran onto his stumps, giving the all-rounder his first Test wicket.
England reached lunch at 299-6, with Smith unbeaten on 47.
Pakistan Struggle Again With the Bat
Pakistan are hoping to salvage some pride after heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord’s.
However, another England victory appears increasingly likely.
Following the 194-run defeat in the second Test, the Pakistan Cricket Board released seven players. The board also sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul.
Pakistan made four changes to their team for the third Test in Birmingham. Despite the reshuffle, the new-look batting lineup again struggled.
The visitors failed to reach 200 for the fifth consecutive innings in England. None of their top five batters scored a double-digit score.
Saud Shakeel provided the only meaningful resistance with 43 runs.
England Pace Attack Impresses Again
England’s pace attack once again caused major problems for Pakistan.
Josh Tongue led the attack with four wickets. Meanwhile, Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer claimed three wickets each.
Pakistan briefly fought back on the first day. They dismissed Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox and Joe Root to reduce England to 39-3.
However, opener Emilio Gay steadied the innings with a 60-run knock.
Debutant paceman Razaullah eventually dismissed Gay, allowing England to regain control and build a strong platform for the second day.
