BIRMINGHAM (UNS): England tightened their grip on the Birmingham Test after posting 453 in their first innings and securing a commanding 320-run lead over Pakistan.
Responding to Pakistan’s disappointing first-innings total of 133, England produced a strong batting performance led by Harry Brook, who scored 75. Jamie Smith contributed 69, while Dan Lawrence, Emilio Gay and Ollie Robinson also registered half-centuries.
Pakistan debutant Razaullah was the visitors’ most successful bowler, claiming four wickets.
Earlier, Pakistan’s batting lineup collapsed as eight players failed to reach double figures. Saud Shakeel top-scored with 43, followed by Mohammad Abbas with 21 and Razaullah with 11.
Saim Ayub was dismissed without scoring, while Abdullah Shafique made three, Ghazi Ghori four and captain Babar Azam seven. Shan Masood and Imran Randhawa scored five runs each, while Azaan Owais contributed nine.
Josh Tongue led England’s bowling attack with four wickets, while Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer took three apiece.
Trailing by 320 runs, Pakistan now face a difficult task: they must first wipe out the deficit and then build a lead to force England to bat again and avoid defeat by an innings.
