England Make 453 as Robinson's First-Over Double Hits Pakistan

England tightened their grip on the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, reaching 453 all out before reducing the tourists to 52 for two on a rain-shortened second day. The Guardian reported that Pakistan remained 268 runs away from making England bat again at the close, with Joe Root's side needing eight more wickets to complete a 3-0 series sweep.

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England resumed in control and advanced from 156 for four to 453 by tea, adding 143 runs during the morning session and another 154 after lunch. Three middle-order batters passed fifty without reaching a century: Harry Brook made 75, Dan Lawrence scored 65 and Jamie Smith contributed 69 while batting with what the Guardian described as a suspected broken finger.

Brook added 23 to his overnight score before being run out after setting off for a single that was not available. Lawrence struck nine fours but played on to Mohammad Imran, giving the all-rounder his first Test wicket. Smith entered at 229 for five, attacked Saim Ayub's off-spin and was eventually caught by Razaullah from the bowler's own delivery.

England's lower order extended the advantage. Robinson made 50 from 47 balls and Jofra Archer finished unbeaten on 32 from 27, while Gus Atkinson added 19. Razaullah was Pakistan's most successful bowler, taking four wickets for 148 runs from 23 overs on his Test debut.

Robinson then struck immediately with the ball. Saim Ayub was caught by Brook at second slip from the first delivery of Robinson's opening over, completing a pair in the match. Abdullah Shafique edged the fourth ball to Root at first slip, leaving Robinson with a double-wicket maiden and Pakistan under pressure at the start of their second innings.

Only 12.4 overs were possible after tea before rain arrived and the covers came on. Shan Masood survived on 13 when Ben Duckett could not hold a diving chance at third slip. Root's earlier catch was the 220th of his career, according to the Guardian, moving him back ahead of Steve Smith for the record number of catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket. Pakistan will resume with substantial work still required to extend the match.