LONDON: England extended their lead over Pakistan to 357 runs at the end of a rain-truncated Day 3 in the second Test of the three-match ICC World Test Championship series at Lord's. Owing to rain, the action was cut short with more than two-thirds of the overs being lost.

According to International Cricket Council, the hosts began the day at 81/3, strengthened their ascendancy despite losing four wickets on Saturday, and will look to further increase their lead on Day 4. The first session was completely washed out, but when play finally began in the afternoon, it was Pakistan who delivered the first blow, with Mohammad Abbas trapping Emilio Gay LBW with a delivery.

Dan Lawrence walked in to accompany Harry Brook in the middle, and the duo stitched a 45-run stand that was interrupted by another spell of rain. Abbas struck again to dismiss Brook and give Pakistan another breakthrough.

Lawrence, though, kept going at the other end to keep England's scoreboard ticking even though he saw Jamie Smith depart. Gus Atkinson joined him in the middle, and England were able to amass 162/6 at the Tea break.

Mohammad Ali then removed Atkinson early, but Lawrence continued his charge to bring up his fifty as rain returned with England at 177/7. No further play was possible as bad light forced the close of play on Day 3, leaving England with a 357-run lead, as they eye a series win at Lord's.