England strengthened their position against Pakistan on the second day of the third Test at Edgbaston, building on their advantage from the opening day. The hosts produced another strong batting display before their bowlers made an immediate impact when Pakistan returned to the crease.

Pakistan had few answers to England’s pressure for much of the day, although the visitors showed some resistance towards the end of the play. Rain eventually brought an early finish in Birmingham, leaving the Test firmly in England’s favour.

Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence help England build commanding lead

England resumed Day 2 on 156/4 with a 23-run first-innings lead and quickly began to extend their advantage. Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence put together an 86-run partnership before Brook was run out for 75 while attempting a quick single. Lawrence continued his impressive form in the series and brought up his third half-century of the campaign.

He eventually fell for 65 after chopping a delivery from Mohammad Imran Randhawa back onto his stumps. Jamie Smith then continued England’s progress with a fluent 69. The wicketkeeper-batter struck nine boundaries and reached his half-century from just 54 balls despite carrying a finger injury sustained while keeping on the opening day.

Ollie Robinson adds crucial runs before striking twice

England continued to score freely in the lower order, with Ollie Robinson making an important contribution. The fast bowler reached his half-century from 47 balls, hitting seven fours and a six as England moved beyond the 300-run mark. Robinson was eventually dismissed for 50 by Razaullah, who was the standout bowler for Pakistan on his Test debut.

The 21-year-old finished with four wickets, although England still managed to reach 453 before being bowled out. Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 32 as England secured a 320-run first-innings lead. Razaullah finished with 4/148, while Mohammad Imran and Mohammad Ali picked up two wickets apiece for Pakistan.

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Robinson strikes twice as Pakistan lose early wickets

Pakistan’s second innings got off to a disastrous start as Robinson produced a decisive opening over. Saim Ayub was caught by Brook at second slip from the first ball, before Abdullah Shafique followed three deliveries later when Joe Root took the catch at first slip. Robinson completed a double-wicket maiden to leave Pakistan at 0/2 and continued his outstanding run in the series. He finished the day with 2/10 from six overs, taking his series tally to 21 wickets at an average of 6.66.

Shan Masood and Azan Awais then managed to steady Pakistan’s innings. The pair added an unbeaten 52-run partnership, with Masood finishing on 21 and Awais on 29 when rain eventually ended play. Pakistan reached 52/2 from 12.4 overs and still trail England by 268 runs. The early finish denied England further opportunities to press for victory, but the hosts remain in a commanding position heading into the third day.

Pakistan still trail by 268 runs with 8 wickets remaining heading into Day 3 ⏳#ENGvPAK #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/5o8SAli7UA

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 11, 2026

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