EDGBASTON, Sept 10: England moved closer to completing a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan after dominating the second day of the third Test at Edgbaston on Thursday.
England, who resumed their first innings with a narrow lead, eventually stretched their advantage to 320 runs before being bowled out for 453.
Dan Lawrence scored 65, Harry Brook made 75 and Jamie Smith contributed 69, while Ollie Robinson added a valuable half-century to strengthen the hosts’ position.
Pakistan debutant Razaullah provided one of the few bright moments for the visitors, taking four wickets despite conceding runs as England’s lower order continued to extend the lead.
Pakistan’s second innings then got off to a disastrous start. Robinson dismissed two early batters, leaving the visitors at 0-2 before Shan Masood and Azan Awais attempted to steady the innings.
Rain and poor light interrupted play, with Pakistan reaching 52 for two at the close. They still trail England by 268 runs and face a daunting task to prevent another defeat.
Robinson has been England’s most effective bowler throughout the series and now has 21 wickets at an average of below seven.
England require just eight more wickets to complete a clean sweep and underline their dominance over Pakistan during the series.