Birmingham, September 10, 2026: Ollie Robinson struck twice in the opening over of Pakistan’s second innings as England tightened their grip on the third Test at Edgbaston, before persistent rain forced an early close to play on the second day.
Pakistan reached 52/2 at stumps, with left-handers Azan Awais and Shan Masood unbeaten on 29 and 21 respectively.
Chasing a daunting 320-run deficit, Pakistan suffered a disastrous start when Robinson dismissed returning opener Saim Ayub and No. 3 Abdullah Shafique for ducks in the first over.
Masood then joined Awais and the pair steadied the innings with an unbeaten 52-run partnership, preventing further damage before rain brought an early end to the day.
Earlier, England resumed their first innings at 299/6 after lunch and added 154 runs before being bowled out for 453 in 89 overs, securing a massive 320-run first-innings lead over Pakistan, who were dismissed for 133.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson extended their seventh-wicket partnership to 68 runs before Mohammad Imran claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Atkinson for 19 off 36 balls.
Smith then added 41 runs with Ollie Robinson for the eighth wicket before debutant pacer Razaullah had him caught and bowled. Smith top-scored for England with 69 off 84 balls, including nine fours and a six.
Robinson further frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers with an aggressive 50 off 47 balls, while Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 32 and Josh Tongue contributed 15.
Razaullah was Pakistan’s leading bowler, finishing with 4/148 from 23 overs. Imran and Mohammad Ali claimed two wickets each, while Mohammad Abbas took one.
The day had begun with Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence resuming England’s innings at 156/4.
The pair extended their fifth-wicket partnership to 86 before Brook was run out for a brisk 75 off 97 balls, including six fours.
Lawrence and Smith then added 64 for the sixth wicket before Imran dismissed Lawrence for 65 off 82 deliveries, with nine fours.
Smith subsequently batted cautiously with Atkinson, adding only six runs before the first session ended.
England now hold a commanding position in the match, while Pakistan face a major challenge to avoid falling further behind when play resumes.
