Lawrence impresses as weather delays England

Dan Lawrence’s unbeaten fifty helped England stretch their lead to 357 runs on a rain‑affected third day of the second Rothesay Test at Lord’s. England finished the first innings on 290, with Smith contributing 61 and Cox 55, while Abbas took 4‑73. In reply, Pakistan were dismissed for 110, Awais scoring 46, Robinson claiming 4‑11 and Archer 3‑26. England enforced a 357‑run lead, noted as “England pb by 357 runs.” In the second innings England reached 177‑7, Lawrence remaining not out on 50 and Abbas adding 3‑48. Only 24.5 overs were possible on Saturday because of persistent rain. Play did not begin until 14:40 BST, was repeatedly interrupted, and the players left the field for the final time at 17:08. At 18:30, with the weather improving, the umpires abandoned the session amid boos from the remaining spectators, despite the possibility of further time being used. On a juicy surface under overcast skies and floodlights, Pakistan’s seam attack made life difficult for England’s batters after they resumed at 81‑3. Emilio Gay fell lbw for 31 to a delivery from Abbas that kept low, missing a chance to cement his opening slot. Harry Brook and Lawrence then added 45 for the fifth wicket; Brook adjusted his approach before being dismissed for 34, superbly caught by Rizwan off the stumps. Lawrence subsequently shifted to an aggressive stance, accelerating toward his fifth Test half‑century. The forecast for Sunday promises much‑improved conditions, which should give England ample opportunity to secure victory in the match and claim their first series triumph since 2024. [Scorecard](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/scorecard/e-229353)