England vs Pakistan Second Test Day 3: Live Score and Highlights
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England secured a commanding position in the second Test against Pakistan on the third day at Lord’s, with the hosts posting a formidable total of 423 all out in their first innings. Pakistan, in response, were 142 for three at the close, trailing by 281 runs as the visitors struggled to cope with England’s disciplined bowling attack. The day’s play saw key contributions from England’s batsmen, including a resilient 89 from Ben Stokes, while Pakistan’s early wickets failed to stem the flow of runs.
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Key moments from day three
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The opening session of day three saw England’s batsmen capitalise on a helpful pitch, with Stokes anchoring the innings alongside Joe Root, who scored 62 before falling to a sharp catch by Babar Azam. England’s total was bolstered by a 112-run partnership between Stokes and Jonny Bairstow, who remained at the crease until the 89th over. Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Mohammad Abbas and Hasan Ali, struggled to maintain consistency, with Abbas conceding 68 runs in 18 overs.
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Pakistan’s reply began with a cautious approach, as openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique added 58 for the first wicket. However, England’s spinners, particularly Jack Leach and Mason Crane, applied pressure, restricting the visitors to 95 for two by lunch. The breakthrough came in the afternoon session when Leach dismissed Shafique for 38, prompting a collapse that saw Pakistan lose three wickets for 47 runs. Azam, who top-scored with 52, was the only batsman to offer resistance before being caught at mid-on by Stokes.
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Series implications and team context
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The result of day three has shifted the momentum firmly in England’s favour, with the hosts now needing just 140 more runs to enforce the follow-on. Pakistan, who lost the first Test in Birmingham by 101 runs, face a daunting challenge to avoid a 2-0 series defeat. England’s performance highlights the strength of their batting line-up, with six players scoring over 30 in the first innings, while Pakistan’s reliance on their lower order remains a concern.
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Head coach Chris Silverwood praised his team’s “disciplined and focused” approach, stating, “We’ve taken control of the game, but we must remain patient on the final day.” Pakistan skipper Babar Azam acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, “We need to bat longer and build partnerships if we are to avoid a heavy defeat.”
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What comes next
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The fourth day will see Pakistan attempt to extend their innings and reduce England’s lead, but the visitors’ task is made harder by the pitch’s deteriorating conditions. England’s seamers, including James Anderson and Mark Wood, are expected to exploit the new ball, while Pakistan’s spinners, Mohammad Nawaz and Usama Mir, will aim to restrict the run rate. A collapse similar to day three could seal the victory for England, while a resilient performance from Pakistan might prolong the contest.
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The match, which began on August 27, is the second of a two-Test series, with the final game scheduled for August 31 at Headingley. A win for England would mark their first series victory against Pakistan since 2019, while Pakistan will seek to salvage pride in the final Test.
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“England’s batting has been clinical, and their bowlers have maintained pressure throughout the match,” said BBC cricket correspondent Mike Costello. “Pakistan’s inability to build partnerships has been their undoing, but they still have a chance to fight back if they can bat for a full day.” Source