BIRMINGHAM, Sep 10 (Alliance News): Emilio Gay and Harry Brook hit half-centuries as England recovered from an early setback to take a 23-run lead over Pakistan at stumps on the opening day of the third Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday.
After Pakistan were dismissed for 133, England initially struggled in their reply. Mohammad Ali removed Ben Duckett for 11 in the fourth over, with Babar Azam taking the catch at slip to leave England at 12-1.
Mohammad Abbas then trapped Jordan Cox lbw for four, reducing the hosts to 24-2.
Gay and Joe Root added 15 runs for the third wicket before Pakistan debutant Razaullah dismissed Root lbw for eight early in the final session.
Brook joined Gay and the pair launched a strong recovery, putting together a 104-run partnership for the fourth wicket. The stand frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers and carried England into the lead.
Razaullah eventually ended the partnership by dismissing Gay for a composed 60 off 114 balls, including nine fours, with England on 143-4.
Brook and Lawrence then safely negotiated the remaining overs, adding an unbeaten 13 runs for the fifth wicket as England closed the day on 156-4.
Razaullah was Pakistan’s leading bowler with 2-42, while Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali took one wicket each.
Earlier, Pakistan were put into bat and suffered a disastrous start. Ollie Robinson dismissed returning opener Saim Ayub lbw for a 10-ball duck in the third over.
Jofra Archer then removed Azan Awais for nine off 20 balls, leaving Pakistan at 14-2.
Robinson struck again to dismiss Abdullah Shafique for three, before Archer removed former captain Shan Masood for five. Pakistan were reduced to 28-4.
Josh Tongue then bowled captain Babar Azam for seven in the 15th over, leaving Pakistan struggling at 48-5.
Debutant wicketkeeper-batter Ghazi Ghori hit his first Test boundary off Tongue but was dismissed for four from five balls by the England pacer.
Another debutant, Imran Randhawa, also fell to Tongue, who claimed his third wicket as Pakistan slipped to 84-7.
Razaullah made 11 before Robinson dismissed him shortly after lunch, with Pakistan at 101-8.
Saud Shakeel provided the main resistance with a brisk 43 off 47 balls, but he was dismissed with the score on 107.
Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali added 26 runs for the final wicket before Archer dismissed Abbas to bowl Pakistan out for 133.
Tongue finished with four wickets, while Archer and Robinson claimed three wickets each as England took control of the opening day.
