The Albany Gazette - England dominate Pakistan, close in on Test series sweep

Joe Root's men, already 2-0 up in the three-match contest, were dismissed for 453 on the second day of the match to take a first-innings lead of 320, threatening to wrap up victory in double-quick time.

England rattled along on a sunny morning in Birmingham, with Dan Lawrence reaching his half-century off just 47 balls, hitting eight fours.

But their progress was checked when Harry Brook needlessly ran himself out for 75 when in sight of an 11th Test century.

Brook tossed his bat into the air in frustration as his partnership with Lawrence was ended at 86, leaving England 229-5.

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 shortly before lunch to give the all-rounder his first Test wicket.

Gus Atkinson was bowled by Imran for 19 but, as the clouds rolled in, the home side maintained the momentum established by the middle and lower orders.

Smith's promising innings ended with a whimper when he was caught and bowled for 69 by Razaullah, who celebrated his third wicket on his Test debut with gusto.

But Ollie Robinson hit 50 off 47 balls and fellow paceman Jofra Archer smashed a quickfire 32 to heap more pain on Pakistan.

Razaullah finished as the pick of the bowlers, with figures of 4-148.

The tourists are seeking to avoid a 16th Test defeat in 21 matches at the end of a turbulent tour.

They released seven players and sacked head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and assistant Umar Gul after their 194-run defeat in the second Test, making four changes to their side in Birmingham.

But their new-look team were dismissed for a paltry 133, failing to reach 200 for the fifth consecutive innings in England, with none of the top five making double figures.

Pakistan reduced England to 39-3 but opener Emilio Gay scored 60 on Wednesday to settle their nerves before he was dismissed.

A 3-0 win at the start of Root's second stint as the permanent skipper would be a huge boost for a side that was in turmoil just weeks ago following a series loss to New Zealand and the exits of head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.

(A.Johnson--TAG)