England in command in Lord’s Test

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LONDON: England tightened their grip on the Lord’s Test against Pakistan on Saturday, reaching 177 for seven in their second innings for an overall lead of 357 runs in a match repeatedly disrupted by rain.
Dan Lawrence was unbeaten on 50 from 64 balls, with six fours and two sixes, while Mohammad Abbas claimed three wickets for 48 as Pakistan kept England’s scoring in check.
Only 24.5 overs were possible on the second day, while rain washed out the entire first session on the third day. Play eventually resumed at 2:20 pm under floodlights, with England 81 for three.
Abbas struck in the second over of the day, trapping Emilio Gay lbw for 31. Harry Brook survived an lbw appeal from Khurram Shahzad and Pakistan’s subsequent review, but the England batter was eventually dismissed for 34 by Abbas.
Brook and Lawrence had added 45 before wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan took a sharp catch standing up to the stumps, ending the partnership.
Jamie Smith made seven before he was caught by Shan Masood at square leg off Abbas, leaving England 149 for six.
Gus Atkinson joined Lawrence and helped take the total to 162 before another rain interruption brought an early tea.
Mohammad Ali removed Atkinson for seven after the resumption, trapping him lbw, before Lawrence reached his half-century.
Rain halted play again with England 177 for seven after 46.5 overs. Ollie Robinson was unbeaten on two alongside Lawrence.
Abbas was Pakistan’s leading bowler, with Shahzad and Ali taking two wickets apiece.
England had scored 290 in their first innings before bowling Pakistan out for 110, securing a first-innings lead of 180.
Pakistan’s task is further complicated by the fitness of Imam-ul-Haq, who was unable to field and remains doubtful for the second innings. With England already holding a substantial advantage, Pakistan face a formidable chase if the hosts can add significantly to their lead.