ENG vs PAK 2nd Test Live: England will begin the third day of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s with a commanding 261-run lead after another dominant day left the visitors staring at a near-impossible fightback.

The hosts ended Friday on 81 for three in their second innings after bad light brought play to an early close. Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox and Joe Root fell during the final session, but England remained firmly in control with a substantial lead already in the bank.

Pakistan had earlier been bowled out for just 110 in 37.2 overs, handing England a huge 180-run first-innings advantage. The collapse came despite the return of captain Babar Azam and left Pakistan with a mountain to climb after their batting order struggled against England’s pace attack.

Ollie Robinson was the chief destroyer, finishing with remarkable figures of four for 11 from 13 overs, including six maidens. Jofra Archer provided sustained hostility and claimed three for 26 from 11.2 overs, while Josh Tongue picked up two wickets. Gus Atkinson went wicketless despite keeping the pressure on Pakistan’s batters.

Pakistan’s problems were compounded by the absence of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who suffered a left calf strain while fielding on the opening day and has been ruled out of the remainder of the Test. The visitors’ batting lacked both stability and depth, with Azan Awais’ 46 the only meaningful contribution as wickets tumbled around him.

Babar’s return also failed to provide the boost Pakistan had hoped for. The captain was dismissed for just eight, while Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood were among the early casualties as England’s seamers exploited the conditions at Lord’s.

Pakistan did manage to make a few inroads when they returned to the ball. Khurram Shahzad dismissed Duckett and Cox, while Mohammad Ali accounted for Root, but England still finished the day in a position of overwhelming strength.

The third day’s play is likely to revolve around how aggressively England approach their second innings. With eight wickets still in hand, the hosts can look to build a lead of 350-400 runs before putting Pakistan under pressure with their four-pronged pace attack.

For Pakistan, early wickets will be essential. They cannot afford another extended period of England dominance if they are to keep the Test alive. Their bowlers will need to strike quickly, while their batters face the daunting prospect of confronting Robinson, Archer, Tongue and Atkinson on a pitch that has already exposed their weaknesses.

England are already 1-0 ahead in the three-Test series after their emphatic victory in the opening Test. Another win at Lord’s would seal the series with a match to spare.