Rain delays England’s victory push at Edgbaston

England moved closer to a series-clinching victory over Pakistan on day two at Edgbaston, before rain brought an early end to proceedings with the tourists 52-2 in their second innings.

2026-09-10T17:55+01:00

After resuming on 156-4, England piled on the runs to reach 453, establishing a substantial first-innings advantage of 320.

Harry Brook led the scoring with 75, while Jamie Smith made 69 and Dan Lawrence contributed 65. Ollie Robinson then added an entertaining 50 as England continued to build their lead, with Jofra Archer unbeaten on 32 when the innings came to an end.

Pakistan’s Razaullah was the most successful bowler, finishing with four wickets.

With Pakistan facing a huge deficit, England made an immediate impact when the visitors began their second innings after tea.

Robinson struck twice in the opening over without conceding a run. Saim Ayub edged the first delivery of the innings to Brook at second slip before Abdullah Shafique was caught by Joe Root at first slip later in the over.

Azan Awais and captain Shan Masood steadied Pakistan from 0-2, taking the score to 52 without further damage as the conditions became increasingly difficult.

England looked capable of pushing for victory inside two days, but the Birmingham weather ultimately intervened. Play was abandoned for the day at 17:07, leaving Pakistan still 268 runs short of making England bat for a second time.

Earlier, Brook and Lawrence had started the day positively with an 86-run partnership before Brook was run out attempting a quick single.

Lawrence went on to record his third half-century of the series, while Smith continued England’s momentum with another fluent contribution. Robinson then provided some late entertainment, including a six into the Hollies Stand, as England stretched their advantage beyond 300.