Day 3, Stumps:
Day 3, Stumps:
Finally a session in this Test that England can claim as their own. It was all thanks to Buttler and Bess, who both scored half-centuries and led a remarkable defiance. Staring at an innings defeat at one stage when Root became the sixth to depart, a century stand for the seventh wicket has not only given England the lead, but also a lot of hope. They end the day at 235 for 6, leading by 56 runs, and what an end to the day with the debutant caressing a cover drive for a boundary off the last ball.
Century stand, Fifty for Bess:
Bess has also reached a milestone in his debut Test as the seventh wicket pair extend their partnership past 100. This has been an excellent fight back from England, with the lead crossing 50. And Mickey Arthur doesn't seem happy with Pakistan's plans.
Fifty for Buttler:
While people questioned Ed Smith's selection of Buttler, especially considering his lack of red-ball experience, the batsmen has answered his critics in style with a timely half-century. However, there's more work left if England are to set Pakistan a competitive target, and for that Buttler and Bess have to keep the fight going for much longer. 200 also up for England.
England erase deficit:
This partnership has grown from strength to strength, and has helped England into the lead. The hosts move to 189 for 6, with Buttler and Bess having added 79 so far to take the lead to 10.
Half-century stand:
A mini fightback from Buttler and Bess, who have extended the partnership past 50. England move to 162 for 6, trailing by 17.
Defiant stand:
Buttler and Bess have extended their partnership past 25 and haven't offered too many chances. Despite their defiance, England are by no means out of trouble. They are currently 140 for 6, trailing by 39.
Day 3, Tea:
Weather update:
"Sun is shining and already quite warm. Forecast is expected to be fine and hot all day," informs Rob. Positive news for England with the conditions expected to favour the batsmen. Can they capitalise on it? Before that, they have to pick up a wicket.
Build-up:
Hello and welcome to the Live Blog of Day 3 of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's. A thorough professional performance from Pakistan is something that wouldn't usually be associated with the team, especially considering that it is a young side going through a transitional phase in the absence of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan. In the lead-up to the series, England were expected to put their winter woes aside and showcase their strength at home. However, things haven't gone that way. In the two days of the opening Test, Pakistan have been all over the hosts - first with the ball, bowling them out for 84 and then a collective effort with that bat that has helped them extend their lead to 166.
England did create several opportunities but weren't able to capitalise on them, allowing Pakistan to get away. Despite a spirited show from the bowlers, they weren't supported enough by the fielders. At 350 for 8, Pakistan are dictating terms at the moment and England are already playing catch up. For them to come back in this game, they have to first limit Pakistan's lead by taking the remaining wicket (Babar Azam retired hurt and and scans latere revealed a fracture) quickly and then have to come up with a strong batting performance.