Birmingam: After a dominant display by the hosts throughout the series, Pakistan displayed much-needed fight to reach 184-3 by lunch, still trailing England by 136 runs in their effort to avoid a 3-0 series sweep.

The visitors were initially staring at a potential two-day collapse after losing two quick wickets without scoring a single run on Thursday. However, inclement weather and a patient batting response revived their innings.

Azan and Masood built a crucial 125-run partnership for the third wicket before Azan tickled a Dan Lawrence delivery down the leg side to stand-in keeper Jordan Cox. Though the on-field umpire initially ruled it not out, England successfully reviewed the decision, ending Azan’s knock at 59.

Captain Babar Azam then joined Masood at the crease, moving fluently to 26 not out by the lunch interval, while Masood remained steady at the other end on 83.

Earlier in the match, England skittled Pakistan for just 133 runs on Day 1 before piling on a commanding 453-run total at a rapid pace to put themselves firmly in control.

The home side has outplayed Pakistan throughout the series, picking up an innings-and-103-run victory in the opening Test followed by a 194-run win in the second.

Pakistan’s troubled tour has been marked by off-field turmoil, including the departure of seven squad members and the dismissal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed alongside assistant Umar Gul following the second Test defeat. Heading into the final match in Birmingham, the team made four lineup changes to arrest a dismal run of 15 losses in their last 20 Tests.