Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence stepped on the gas as England tightened their grip on the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston on Thursday, aiming to wrap up a series whitewash in double-quick time.
The home team, already 2-0 up in the three-match contest, started the second day on 156-4 in response to the tourists’ paltry 133 all out, with Brook and Lawrence at the crease.
England rattled along on a sunny morning in Birmingham, with Lawrence reaching his half-century off just 47 balls, hitting eight fours.
But their progress was checked when Brook needlessly ran himself out for 75 when in sight of an 11th Test century.
The Yorkshireman flicked the ball straight to mid-wicket and set off for a run but never looked like making his ground as Saim Ayub collected Shan Masood’s throw and whipped off the bails.
Brook tossed his bat into the air in frustration as his partnership with Lawrence was ended at 86.
The scoring slowed briefly after Jamie Smith arrived at the crease, but he soon showed his attacking intent, launching the ball straight back over the head of spinner Saim Ayub for six.
Lawrence (65) chopped a ball from Mohammad Imran onto his stumps to give the all-rounder his first Test wicket.
England reached lunch on 299-6, with Smith unbeaten on 47.
Pakistan are seeking to salvage some pride after heavy losses at Headingley and Lord’s but appear vanishingly unlikely to prevent another England win.
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