England strengthened its position in the second Test against Pakistan after extending its overall lead to 357 runs on a rain-affected third day at Lord’s on Saturday.
Only 24.5 overs were possible through the day as persistent showers disrupted proceedings. No play was possible in the morning session before England eventually resumed its second innings on 81 for three during the afternoon.
Dan Lawrence provided the backbone of the innings, reaching an unbeaten 50 from 66 balls before rain returned shortly after the resumption following a delayed tea interval. The players did not return to the field, with play eventually called off at 6.30pm local time because of bad light.
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England finished the day on 177 for seven, having added 96 runs while losing four wickets.
Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas was the pick of the bowlers, dismissing Emilio Gay for 31, Harry Brook for 34 and Jamie Smith for seven to finish the day with figures of three for 48.
Gus Atkinson was the other England batter to fall, trapped lbw by Mohammad Ali for seven after tea. Lawrence was joined at the crease by Ollie Robinson, who remained unbeaten on two when play was abandoned.
England had made 290 in its first innings before bowling Pakistan out for just 110 to take a commanding 180-run advantage.
The host entered the match already leading the three-Test series 1-0 after winning the opening Test by an innings at Headingley last week. With a sizeable lead heading into Day 4 at Lord’s, England is well placed to push for another victory and wrap up the series.
(With inputs from AP).
Published on Aug 29, 2026
