England, Pakistan draw rain-affected 2nd cricket test

The rain-hit second test between England and Pakistan finished in an unsatisfying and ultimately predictable draw after more wet weather wiped out half of the fifth and final day at the Rose Bowl on Monday.

After more than four hours were lost as groundstaff mopped up following heavy early-morning rain, England resumed its first innings on 7-1 and moved to 110-4 before declaring after 38.1 overs were bowled in the day. The teams immediately settled on a draw.

Only 134.3 overs were possible in the entire match in Southampton, with rain washing out all of the third day and most of the fourth day and time also being lost during the first two days because of wet weather and bad light.

Around the frequent stoppages, Pakistan had managed to scramble 236 all out. The tourists cannot now win the three-match-series after England won the first test in Manchester.

The final test begins on Friday, also at the Rose Bowl, and England will be bidding for its first series win over Pakistan in 10 years and also a second series victory this summer having already beaten the West Indies.

Pakistan at least struck a few psychological blows ahead of the third match, with seamer Mohammad Abbas trapping Zak Crawley lbw for 53 and getting a legside edge from opener Dom Sibley for 32 off his following over.

Ollie Pope was the other batsman to fall, trapped lbw to legspinner Yasir Shah for 9. Abbas had 2-28 off 14 overs. Joe Root was 9 not out and Jos Buttler was unbeaten without scoring.

(Photo Credit: Twitter/ICC)