Trailing 0-2 in the three-match Test series against England, the situation remained unchanged on the second day of the third Test. After being bundled out for just 133 runs in the first innings, Pakistan’s bowlers also disappointed. England scored 453 runs in their first innings and took a massive lead of 320 runs. Coming to bat in the second innings, Pakistan had a very poor start and by the end of the day’s play, they had lost the wickets of their two top batsmen for 52 runs.
ENG vs PAK: Pakistan in trouble due to England’s lower order attack, after trailing by 320 runs, suffered setbacks in the second innings as well.
Lower-order batsmen went on a rampage, with debutant Razaullah thrashed.
England were 156 for 4 at the close of play on the first day. On the second day, Harry Brooke took an aggressive approach and increased the run rate. Brooke was run out for 75, but the middle and lower-order batsmen then completely dismantled the Pakistani bowling attack. Returning to the Test team, Dan Lawrence scored 65, while wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith made 69 off 84 balls.
The Pakistani bowlers completely failed to dismiss England’s tailenders. Fast bowler Ollie Robinson smashed 50 off just 47 balls, while Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 32. Razaullah, making his Test debut for Pakistan, took the most wickets with four, but he conceded 148 runs at an expensive economy rate of 6.4. Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Imran Randhawa took two wickets each, while Mohammad Abbas took one.
Official statements/match report presentations
“England’s lower-order batsmen have completely taken control of the match. With a massive 320-run lead, England are in a very strong position, while Pakistan will now need to produce an extraordinary performance to avoid an innings defeat.”
— Match Analyst, Birmingham Ground Report
Pakistan’s second innings started shakily, with rain providing support.
Trailing by 320 runs, Pakistan were dealt an early blow by Ollie Robinson when they began their second innings. Robinson dismissed opener Sam Ayub off the very first ball. Abdullah Shafique soon followed, also falling to Robinson without scoring. After losing two wickets for just a few runs, Shan Masood (21*) and Azan Awais (29*) steadied the innings. Play on the second day was halted prematurely due to bad weather and rain. At the close of play, Pakistan were 52 for two, still 268 runs behind England.