‘Disgraceful decision’ – Fans fuming as play called off despite ‘best weather of the day’ with England hunting win

CRICKET fans were left fuming after play was called off on day three of England’s Test match against Pakistan. Joe Root‘s side are in the midst of building a huge lead in the second Test. Play was abandoned during day three of England’s Test match against Pakistan Credit: PA Rain had been hitting Lord’s on and off throughout the day Credit: PA Dan Lawrence was showcasing why his recall to the side should be extended as he knocked an impressive 50 in unfavourable conditions. Rain had hit the Lord’s pitch on and off throughout the day but at 6.34pm the umpires called it off for the rest day. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The call came almost an hour and a half after the players had left the field for rain. This was despite the rain stopping and the skies brightening up for the first time in the day. Reporters at the ground believed that there easily could have been another hour of play. Test match days that are disrupted due to weather could be played on until 7.30pm if allowed. But once the decision to stop play for the day was made, fans let out their frustrations on social media. One posted: “Sat in the Edrich stand. It hasn’t rained for half an hour and it’s as bright as it’s been all day. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS Dan Lawrence was able to knock an impressive 50 in the tough conditions Credit: PA “Absolutely no justification for not playing right now. A real shame.” A second commented: “Ridiculous to call it off! “They want fans supporting Test cricket and those spectators have stuck with it all day – another 30-45 mins of play would have been a better look (plus saving authorities money on refunds)” A third wrote: “This is a terrible advert for cricket. It’s like the umpires are waiting for it to rain again. England second innings England's second innings against Pakistan Duckett – 1 (c Babar b Khurram) Gay – 31 (lbw b Abbas) Cox – 11 (lbw b Khurram) Root – 24 (lbw b Ali) Brook – 34 (c Rizwan b Abbas) Lawrence – 50 not out Smith – 7 (c Shan b Abbas) Atkinson – 7 (lbw b Ali) Robinson – 2 not out Extras: 10 Total: 177-7 – Lead by 357 runs with 3 wickets remaining Harry Brook chipped in with 34 runs Credit: Getty “At least the spectators can get a refund.” A fourth said: “That’s a farce.” A fifth fumed: “Disgraceful decision. The sun is out best conditions of the day. Test cricket at its worst.” Another added: “What are the umpires doing? It’s the best conditions it’s been all day.” Despite the decision, England remain in a strong position to win the second Test match and take a 2-0 lead in the series. They closed for the day with a lead of 357 and are on 177-7 with two days left to play. The forecast is improved for Sunday’s action but it is still not ideal conditions. Comment now