England are closing in on a comprehensive 3-0 Test series whitewash against Pakistan after another dominant display at Edgbaston.
On day two of the third and final Test, the hosts built a massive first-innings lead of 320 runs by posting 453, then reduced Pakistan to 52 for 2 — still 268 runs behind — before rain forced an early close. Ollie Robinson continued his exceptional series with both bat and ball, leaving the tourists staring at a heavy defeat.
Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings on day one, with Josh Tongue (4-42), Robinson (3-15) and Jofra Archer (3-25) sharing the wickets. England responded strongly, recovering from early setbacks to post a commanding total.
Harry Brook top-scored with 75, while Jamie Smith (69), Dan Lawrence (65), Emilio Gay (60) and Robinson (50) all contributed half-centuries. Robinson’s breezy fifty included a big six into the Hollies Stand. Debutant Razaullah was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with 4-148.
When Pakistan began their second innings, Robinson struck immediately. He dismissed Saim Ayub first ball (a pair in the match) and then removed Abdullah Shafique three deliveries later, finishing the truncated day with figures of 2-10 from six overs. Robinson has been the standout performer of the series, taking 21 wickets at an average of around 6-7 runs each.
England already lead the three-match series 2-0 after emphatic victories at Headingley (by an innings and 103 runs) and Lord’s (by 194 runs). Pakistan have struggled badly with the bat throughout the tour, failing to reach 200 in any innings so far, and have undergone significant squad changes mid-series.
With three days still remaining and Pakistan deep in deficit, England are strong favourites to complete a clean sweep when play resumes.
Brief Scores (stumps, Day 2):
Pakistan 133 (Saud Shakeel 43; Tongue 4-42, Robinson 3-15, Archer 3-25) & 52-2 (Robinson 2-10)
England 453 (Brook 75, Smith 69, Lawrence 65, Gay 60, Robinson 50; Razaullah 4-148)
Pakistan trail by 268 runs.
