Pakistan on brink of heavy Test defeat

Pakistan, who were dismissed for just 133 in their opening innings, were then reduced to 0 for two before recovering to 52-2 when rain ended play early.

Ollie Robinson inflicted immediate damage, removing Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique without scoring in the opening over of Pakistan’s second innings.The early double blow raised the prospect of a humiliating two-day collapse, but Shan Masood and debutant Azan Awais steadied the innings with an unbeaten 52-run partnership.

Awais was batting on 29 and Masood on 21 when the players were forced from the field for the second time.

Pakistan still trail by 268 runs with eight wickets in hand, leaving England firmly in control with three days remaining.Earlier, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence resumed England’s innings and extended their fifth-wicket stand to 86 before Brook was run out for a brisk 75.

Lawrence made 65 but fell shortly before lunch, chopping Mohammad Imran onto his stumps as the debutant claimed his maiden Test wicket.

Imran struck again after lunch to dismiss Gus Atkinson for 19, while Jamie Smith continued England’s lower-order assault with a valuable 69 from 84 balls, including nine fours and a six.

Razaullah eventually ended Smith’s innings and later completed an impressive four-wicket haul.Robinson then produced a rapid half-century, reaching 50 from 47 deliveries, while Jofra Archer added an unbeaten 32 to push England beyond 450.

Razaullah finished with 4-148 from 23 overs, while Imran and Mohammad Ali claimed two wickets each and Mohammad Abbas took one.

England’s dominant performance has left Pakistan staring at a series whitewash.

The visitors have endured a turbulent tour, including major squad changes and coaching upheaval following their defeat in the second Test.

For England, a series-clinching victory would underline their superiority and provide a boost under Joe Root’s leadership.PAKISTAN 133 and 52-2 trail ENGLAND 453 (Brook 75, Smith 69, Lawrence 65, Gay 60, Robinson 50, Razaullah 4-148) by 268 runs.

BIRMINGHAM – England strengthened their grip on the third Test at Edgbaston on Thursday, leaving Pakistan facing another heavy defeat after a dramatic second day was repeatedly interrupted by rain.