BIRMINGHAM, England – Ollie Robinson struck twice in his opening over as England closed in on a 3-0 series sweep, leaving Pakistan 52-2 at the end of a rain-shortened second day of the third test on Thursday.
Robinson, player of the match in the first two tests, removed Saim Ayub with the first ball of Pakistan’s second innings and Abdullah Shafique three deliveries later. Pakistan still need 268 runs to make England bat again after the hosts extended their first-innings lead to 320.
The 32-year-old has taken 21 wickets in the series at an average of less than seven runs each, and finished Thursday with 2-10 from six overs.
“He has bowled exceptionally well and he’s in a little purple patch as a player. We need to find a way to combat that as well as we can,” Pakistan batting coach Mike Smith said.
Shan Masood was unbeaten on 21 alongside Azan Awais on 29 after being dropped at slip by Ben Duckett.
England, who resumed on 156-4 with a 23-run lead, were bowled out for 453. Harry Brook made 75 from 97 balls, Dan Lawrence scored 65 for his third successive test half-century and Jamie Smith hit 69.
Robinson also made 50 before Razaullah dismissed him, finishing with four wickets in the innings.
Razaullah, playing only his ninth first-class match, conceded 148 runs but impressed with his pace and aggression.
Pakistan, who have lost 15 of their last 20 tests, face a daunting task to avoid a series whitewash.
