Lawrence shines in the gloom as England pull ahead of Pakistan: 2nd Test, Day 3 (Lords)

A rain-affected Day 3 saw England move to the brink of victory, although only 24.5 overs were possible.

Resuming at 81/3, England lost four wickets, with Mohammad Abbas taking 3/48 to give Pakistan some hope. Harry Brook made 34, while Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson also fell as Pakistan’s bowlers exploited difficult conditions.

The outstanding performer was Dan Lawrence, who remained unbeaten on 50 from 66 balls to guide England to 177/7, extending their overall lead to a massive 357 runs.

Rain and bad light eventually ended play, leaving England needing only three wickets to declare or a relatively small addition to set Pakistan an enormous fourth-innings target.

With two days remaining, England are firmly in command and closing in on a 2–0 series victory.

England 290 and 177 for 7 (Lawrence 50*, Abbas 3-48) lead Pakistan 110 by 357 runs.

Aug 2026.