England are closing in on a 3-0 Test series sweep after Ollie Robinson produced another devastating spell to leave Pakistan reeling on day two of the third Test at Edgbaston.
After England established a commanding 320-run first-innings lead, Robinson struck with the first ball of Pakistan’s second innings and removed another batter three deliveries later.
Pakistan eventually reached 52-2 before rain brought an early end to the day, leaving England firmly in control heading into Friday.
Robinson Turns the Screw Immediately
Pakistan's second innings could hardly have started worse.
Robinson trapped Saim Ayub lbw for a duck with the first delivery, before returning three balls later to have Abdullah Shafique caught at slip.
Joe Root took the catch to dismiss Shafique, moving to 220 Test catches as an English outfielder — a new record.
The double strike left Pakistan 0-2 almost immediately.
Robinson finished the shortened day with 2-10 from six overs, continuing what has been an extraordinary series for the England seamer.
England Build a Huge 320-Run Advantage
The damage had already been done with the bat.
England resumed the day on 156-4 and eventually reached 453 all out, giving them a massive 320-run lead.
Harry Brook top-scored with 75, while Dan Lawrence made 65 and Jamie Smith added 69.
Robinson then produced one of the most entertaining contributions of the innings, smashing his way to 50 before Pakistan finally removed him.
Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 32 as England pushed their advantage beyond 300.
Pakistan's best bowler was Test debutant Razaullah, who claimed 4-148 despite England's relentless scoring.
Pakistan Finally Find Some Resistance
The early collapse threatened to turn the Test into an extremely short affair.
Instead, Azan Awais and Shan Masood managed to stabilise the innings.
Awais was unbeaten on 29 while Masood reached 21 not out when rain eventually ended play.
Their partnership took Pakistan to 52-2, but they remain 268 runs behind England and still need to erase the deficit simply to make England bat again.
The visitors therefore face an enormous task on day three.
Rain Delays England’s Victory Push
England had appeared capable of pushing for a victory inside two days after Robinson's explosive opening over.
But Birmingham's weather intervened.
Persistent rain forced play to be abandoned early, meaning Pakistan survived a difficult final session without losing another wicket.
England will therefore return on Friday needing only eight more wickets to complete a clean sweep of the three-Test series.
The hosts already lead the series 2-0 after emphatic victories at Headingley and Lord's.
Robinson Continues Remarkable Summer
Robinson's performance has become one of the defining stories of England's summer.
He was named player of the match in both of the opening two Tests and has continued to cause Pakistan enormous problems with the ball.
He has now taken 21 wickets in the series at an average below seven, while his overall summer tally has reached 28 wickets across four Tests.
After adding a half-century with the bat and then destroying Pakistan's top order with the ball, Robinson was once again at the centre of England's dominance.
Pakistan now need something extraordinary to prevent England from completing the whitewash.
Fan Debate
⚽ Goal: England will complete the 3-0 series whitewash on day three.
🔥 Fire: Ollie Robinson is currently England’s most dangerous Test bowler.
😲 Shock: Pakistan could not even survive the first over of their second innings.
👍 Like: Robinson’s all-round contribution has been outstanding throughout the series.
💬 Comment: Can Pakistan produce a remarkable fightback on day three?
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!