Key Takeaways
- Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence struggled as England tightened their grip.
- England's pace bowlers took four wickets each, while Lawrence reached his half-century.
- Pakistan's efforts to salvage the series were thwarted as England extended their lead.
England continued their dominance over Pakistan in the third Test at Edgbaston, with the home team extending their series lead with a strong performance on the second day.
Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence, who had earlier stepped up, found themselves under pressure as England's bowlers tightened their grip on the match.
Dan Lawrence, who had earlier reached his half-century off just 47 balls, was eventually dismissed for 65, giving Mohammad Imran his first Test wicket.
Harry Brook's innings ended in frustration when he was run out for 75, with Saim Ayub collecting the throw and removing the bails, ending a promising partnership.
England's pace bowlers, led by Josh Tongue, who took four wickets, and Jofra Archer and Ollie Robinson, who each claimed three, continued their impressive form.
Pakistan's efforts to turn the match around were limited, with only Saud Shakeel offering resistance, scoring 43 runs, while the top five batsmen failed to reach double figures.
The visitors, who had made four changes to their side, struggled to reach 200 for the fifth consecutive innings in England, with their new-look team failing to make a significant impact.
Despite Pakistan's valiant efforts, including Emilio Gay's 60 runs, the match remained firmly in England's favor as they reached lunch on 299-6, with Smith unbeaten on 47.
With the series already 2-0 in England's favor, the home team appears well on track to secure a whitewash, with the third Test set to conclude on the third day.
