England 81/3 in 22.0 Overs | England vs. Pakistan 2nd Test Live Scores: Harry Brook, Emilio Gay look to pile on the runs but rain threatens to wash out opening session at Lord’s

ENG vs PAK 2nd Test Live: England will start the third day of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s with a commanding 261-run lead after another dominant day left the visitors staring at an almost impossible fight.

The visitors ended Friday on 81 for three in their second innings after poor light ended the game prematurely. Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox and Joe Root fell during the last over but England remained firmly in control with a significant lead already in the bank.

Pakistan had earlier been bowled out for just 110 in 37.2 overs, giving England a huge first innings lead of 180 runs. The collapse came despite the return of captain Babar Azam and left Pakistan with a mountain to climb after their batting order struggled against England’s pace attack.

Ollie Robinson was the main destroyer, finishing with remarkable figures of four for 11 from 13 overs, including six maidens. Jofra Archer kept up the opposition, taking three for 26 from 11.2 overs, while Josh Tongue picked up two wickets. Gus Atkinson was wicketless despite keeping the pressure on Pakistan batting.

Adding to Pakistan’s woes was the absence of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a strained left calf while starting on the opening day and was ruled out of the rest of the Test. The visitors’ batting lacked both stability and depth, with Azan Awais’ 46 the only meaningful contribution as wickets fell around him.

Babar’s return also failed to provide the boost Pakistan had hoped for. The skipper was dismissed for just eight while Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood were among the first casualties as England’s seamen took advantage of the conditions at Lord’s.

Pakistan managed to make a few runs when they came back to ball. Khurram Shahzad dismissed Duckett and Cox while Mohammad Ali accounted for Root, but England still finished the day in a position of overwhelming power.

The third day of play is likely to revolve around how aggressively England approach their second innings. With eight wickets still in hand, the hosts can look to build a lead of 350-400 runs before putting Pakistan under pressure with their four-run attack.

Early wickets will be crucial for Pakistan. They cannot afford another extended period of England dominance if they are to keep the Test alive. Their bowlers will need to strike quickly while their batsmen face the daunting prospect of facing Robinson, Archer, Tongue and Atkinson on a pitch that has already exposed their weaknesses.

England already lead the three-Test series 1-0 after their emphatic victory in the opening Test. Another win at Lord’s would seal the series with a game to spare.