England close in on Test series sweep against Pakistan

England moved closer to a Test series sweep against Pakistan on Thursday after dominating the second day of the third Test at Edgbaston, leaving the visitors trailing by 268 runs with eight wickets remaining.

How close are England to a Test series sweep against Pakistan?

England are firmly in control of the third Test after reaching 453 in their first innings, a 320-run lead over Pakistan's 133. Pakistan then slipped to 0-2 after four balls before reaching 52-2 when rain ended play, leaving England needing eight wickets for victory.

England had resumed on 156-4 after recovering from 39-3 on the opening day. Their batsmen continued to score quickly and eventually reached 453 at more than five runs an over, putting Pakistan under enormous pressure.

Pakistan's second innings began disastrously. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique were both dismissed by Ollie Robinson inside the first four balls, raising the possibility of England completing a two-day victory.

Azan Awais and experienced captain Shan Masood prevented further damage, adding 46 before rain interrupted play. Pakistan added only six more runs before another shower forced the players from the field.

Play was eventually abandoned at around 1630 GMT, with Pakistan on 52-2 and still 268 runs behind England.

How did England build a 320-run lead at Edgbaston?

England resumed their innings in strong conditions after making a recovery from their early collapse on the opening day. Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence continued that recovery before Brook was run out for 75 while attempting to push towards his 11th Test century.

Brook's dismissal ended a fifth-wicket partnership of 86 with Lawrence. Lawrence followed for 65 shortly before lunch when he chopped a delivery from Mohammad Imran onto his stumps, giving the debutant his first Test wicket.

Imran struck again after the interval to remove Gus Atkinson for 19. Jamie Smith then made 69 before Razaullah caught and bowled him, giving the 21-year-old paceman his third wicket on Test debut.

Ollie Robinson maintained England's attacking approach with a rapid 50 from 47 balls. Jofra Archer added a quick 32 as England continued to increase their advantage and finished on 453.

Razaullah was Pakistan's leading bowler, taking 4-148 in his first Test. His wickets were not enough to prevent England from establishing a commanding lead.

Why is Pakistan facing another heavy defeat in England?

Pakistan have struggled throughout their ill-fated tour of England and are now facing a likely 16th Test defeat in 21 matches. Their latest problems have come despite major changes to the squad and coaching setup before the third Test.

Pakistan released seven players and sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul after their 194-run defeat in the second Test. Four changes were then made to the side for the final Test in Birmingham.

The changes have so far failed to produce a turnaround. Pakistan were bowled out for just 133 in their first innings before England responded with 453, leaving the visitors facing another significant defeat.

England, meanwhile, have maintained the momentum they built after recovering from their own difficult start to the series. A 3-0 victory would give Joe Root a strong start to his second stint as permanent captain.

Jordan Cox is keeping wicket for England during Pakistan's second innings after Jamie Smith suffered an injury to his left ring finger on Wednesday.

The result at Edgbaston remains dependent on the remaining play, but England are in a commanding position with three days still available to complete the victory.