Persistent rain delays play at Lord’s as England resume day three with a 261-run lead and seven second-innings wickets in hand.
LONDON: Persistent rain delayed the start of the third day of the second Test between Pakistan and England at Lord’s on Saturday, interrupting England’s progress as the hosts remained firmly in control of the match.
England ended the second day on 81-3 in their second innings, with Emilio Gay unbeaten on 30 and Harry Brook not out on seven. The hosts had extended their overall lead to 261 runs after Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in their first innings.
England had earlier posted 290 in the first innings, recovering from 120-5 through a late partnership between Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson, who added 47 runs for the final wicket.
Pakistan’s first innings was dominated by England’s pace attack, with opener Azan Awais providing the main resistance by scoring 46. The remaining batters struggled to cope with the pressure as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Ollie Robinson was England’s leading bowler, finishing with four wickets for 11 runs, while Jofra Archer claimed three for 26. Pakistan did manage to make early inroads during England’s second innings, with Shahzad and Mohammad Ali taking wickets, but the hosts still finished the day in a strong position.
Rain then became the major factor on Saturday, with persistent light showers preventing play from beginning on schedule. Forecast conditions offered only limited prospects of a dry window during the day, potentially restricting the amount of cricket that can be played.
England entered the third day with a 261-run lead and seven wickets remaining, leaving Pakistan facing a difficult task to keep the Test alive.
The second Test is crucial for Pakistan after England won the opening match at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. A victory at Lord’s would give England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and secure a series win on home soil.
Pakistan need a significant improvement with both bat and ball if they are to mount a comeback, while England will look to consolidate their advantage whenever weather conditions allow play to resume.
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