Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence stepped on the gas as England tightened their grip on the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Thursday, aiming to wrap up a series whitewash in double-quick time.
The home team, already 2-0 up in the three-match contest, started the second day on 156-4 in response to the tourists’ paltry 133 all out, with Brook and Lawrence at the crease.
England rattled along on a sunny morning in Birmingham, with Lawrence reaching his half-century off just 47 balls, hitting eight fours.
But their progress was checked when Brook needlessly ran himself out for 75 when in sight of an 11th Test century.
The Yorkshireman flicked the ball straight to mid-wicket and set off for a run but never looked like making his ground as Saim Ayub collected Shan Masood’s throw and whipped off the bails.
Brook tossed his bat into the air in frustration as his partnership with Lawrence was ended at 86.
The scoring slowed briefly after Jamie Smith arrived at the crease but he soon showed his attacking intent, launching the ball straight back over the head of spinner Saim Ayub for six.
Lawrence (65) chopped a ball from Mohammad Imran onto his stumps to give the all-rounder his first Test wicket.
England reached lunch on 299-6, with Smith unbeaten on 47.
Pakistan are seeking to salvage some pride after heavy losses at Headingley and Lord’s but appear vanishingly unlikely to prevent another England win.
The visitors released seven players and sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul after their 194-run defeat in the second Test and made four changes to their side in Birmingham.
But their new-look team failed to reach 200 for the fifth consecutive innings in England, with none of the top five making double figures. Only Saud Shakeel offered meaningful resistance, with 43.
England’s impressive pace attack sparkled again. Josh Tongue took four wickets while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer chipped in with three wickets apiece.
Pakistan fought their way back into the contest later on day one, dismissing Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox and Joe Root to leave England teetering at 39-3.
But opener Emilio Gay scored 60 to settle their nerves before he was dismissed by debutant paceman Razaullah, giving England a platform for the second day.
