LONDON, England: Despite multiple rain interruptions that disrupted play throughout the third day, Pakistan’s bowlers fought valiantly at Lord’s, but Dan Lawrence’s unbeaten half-century propelled England to a commanding 357-run lead over Pakistan in the second Test here on Saturday.
Dan Lawrence’s Half-Century Extends England’s Lead to 357 Despite Pakistan’s Gritty Fight, as the hosts reached 177/7 at stumps on Day 3, with Lawrence and Ollie Robinson unbeaten on 50 and two, respectively.
There was less than 25 overs at Lord’s today, but Dan Lawrence used them wisely – and sometimes spectacularly- as England pulled further away from Pakistan in the second Testhttps://t.co/1Ojgf9P2St
— Lawrence Booth (@BoothCricket) August 29, 2026
Only 2.2 overs could be bowled in the final session, during which England managed 15 runs for the loss of one wicket as Mohammad Abbas trapped Gus Atkinson (seven) lbw. However, persistent bad light forced the umpires to call an early end to the day’s play.
Rain disrupts opening session
After the opening session was completely washed out due to persistent rain, England resumed their second innings from 81/3 after the lunch break through Emilio Gay and Harry Brook, with a 261-run advantage in their favour.
The hosts, however, got off to an unwanted start as Mohammad Abbas bamboozled Gay in the second over off a delivery that did not bounce much. The left-handed opener walked back in agony after scoring 31 off 74 deliveries, giving Pakistan an early breakthrough.
Following Gay’s dismissal, Brook was joined by Lawrence in the middle, and the duo batted valiantly in bowling-friendly conditions to put together a 45-run partnership for the fifth wicket. The budding partnership was ultimately broken when Abbas got Brook caught behind, with Mohammad Rizwan keeping wickets up close. The top-ranked batter made a brisk 34 off 56 deliveries, hitting five fours.
STOP-START AT LORD’S! 🌧️
Play continues to be disrupted by rain, with England leading Pakistan by 357 runs and three wickets still in hand.#PAKvENG #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/B7CngVs854
— Mir Za⁵⁶ (@Mirza143146) August 29, 2026
Lawrence then shared a brief 21-run partnership with wicketkeeper batter Jamie Smith, who could muster only seven before falling victim to Abbas, with his dismissal bringing England’s total down to 149/6. The middle-order batter was then joined by Atkinson, and they only managed to put together 13 runs before another rain interruption prompted the on-field umpires to conclude the session five minutes prior to the scheduled time.
Abbas shines with three-wicket haul
Mohammad Abbas has been the standout bowler for Pakistan in the second innings, having picked up three wickets for 48 runs in his 18 overs, followed by Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Ali with two wickets each. The veteran pacer’s disciplined bowling kept the English batters in check, providing Pakistan with crucial breakthroughs at regular intervals.
Despite the rain interruptions that hampered Pakistan’s momentum, the visitors continued to fight hard and restricted England to 177/7 at stumps. With Lawrence holding one end up, Pakistan will be looking to wrap up the remaining wickets early on Day 4 to limit England’s lead and give their batters a realistic target to chase.
𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗠𝗣𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗟𝗢𝗥𝗗’𝗦 🏏🌧️
Rain cut Day 3 short, but England’s lead has extended to 357 runs! Dan Lawrence (50*) holds firm while Mohammad Abbas (3/48) keeps Pakistan fighting.
What target can Pakistan realistically chase down? 🤔🇵🇰#ENGvPAK | #TestCricket | #GRC pic.twitter.com/vEUJGKyqDd
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) August 29, 2026
Day 4 prospects
The weather forecast for the fourth day remains uncertain, but Pakistan will hope for clearer skies to allow their bowlers to capitalise on the momentum they have built. With Abbas leading the attack, the visitors remain optimistic about restricting England’s second-innings total and setting up a competitive chase.
The Lord’s Test has been a rollercoaster ride so far, with both teams battling not just each other but also the unpredictable English weather. Pakistan’s bowlers have shown tremendous resilience, and a strong performance on Day 4 could keep them in the contest as they look to level the series.
