{"id":260159,"date":"2026-08-29T12:24:45","date_gmt":"2026-08-29T12:24:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-start-delayed-live\/"},"modified":"2026-08-29T12:24:45","modified_gmt":"2026-08-29T12:24:45","slug":"england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-start-delayed-live","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/08\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-start-delayed-live\/","title":{"rendered":"England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"liveblog-body\"><span class=\"dcr-1wrshbb\"><gu-island name=\"KeyEventsCarousel\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;keyEvents&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;6a8ee0888f08650183b5887d&quot;,&quot;elements&quot;:[{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;Why does it always rain on me? Is it because England have Pakistan 81-3?&lt;\/em&gt;&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;07e6af76-c207-4847-9826-ade9cadfea75&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;I\u2019m afraid it is going to be a severely rain affected day three at Lord\u2019s and the forecast is particularly grim, Rowan Atkinson\u2019s Blackadder might describe it as wetter than a platypus at a private prep school. Something like that anyway.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;f3537802-440d-4a86-84f2-d840e8f1a725&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;We\u2019ve had news from on high (the ECB bods rather than God, though it would be useful to get a steer from the biggun) that the start of play is \u2018Officially Delayed\u2019. Well, indeed.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;d3f1f933-3933-47af-871a-9902f5dfe1b3&quot;},{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.TextBlockElement&quot;,&quot;html&quot;:&quot;&lt;p&gt;The covers are on and will be for the foreseeable, any updates I\u2019ll bring to you toot suite. Until then we\u2019ll just have to while away the hours in trusty OBO rain delay fashion.&lt;\/p&gt;&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;93e79d9a-2207-445b-986d-af041cf7492e&quot;}],&quot;attributes&quot;:{&quot;pinned&quot;:false,&quot;keyEvent&quot;:true,&quot;summary&quot;:false},&quot;blockCreatedOn&quot;:1787996520000,&quot;blockCreatedOnDisplay&quot;:&quot;05.42\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockLastUpdated&quot;:1787996516000,&quot;blockLastUpdatedDisplay&quot;:&quot;05.41\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublished&quot;:1787996520000,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplay&quot;:&quot;05.42\u00a0EDT&quot;,&quot;blockFirstPublishedDisplayNoTimezone&quot;:&quot;05.42&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Preamble&quot;,&quot;contributors&quot;:[{&quot;name&quot;:&quot;James Wallace&quot;,&quot;imageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=aa7d18847f4d269f8eed30ab90428ddb&quot;,&quot;largeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=eb73166c6ed34247a3a7d2df4036a3b6&quot;}],&quot;primaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;Sat 29 Aug 2026 08.24 EDT&quot;,&quot;secondaryDateLine&quot;:&quot;First published on Sat 29 Aug 2026 05.42 EDT&quot;}],&quot;id&quot;:&quot;key-events-carousel-mobile&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;serverTime&quot;:1788006308356}\"><span id=\"key-events-carousel-mobile\"\/><span class=\"dcr-1wrshbb\"><\/p>\n<p>Key events<\/p>\n<p><\/span><\/gu-island><\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"block-6a92cf488f089f2cda799b47\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The weather is toying with us! The covers are now coming off and the groundstaff are even re-painting the crease lines. Stand by your beds.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92cf488f089f2cda799b47&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92cf488f089f2cda799b47&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92cf488f089f2cda799b47#block-6a92cf488f089f2cda799b47\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92cd898f089f2cda799b3b\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Ah, the covers are being hauled back on, it is raining again. Michael Hann\u2019s sigh of relief gusts over Primrose Hill.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92cd898f089f2cda799b3b&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92cd898f089f2cda799b3b&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92cd898f089f2cda799b3b#block-6a92cd898f089f2cda799b3b\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c91b8f08fce2a63ff291\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cRain? RAIN? Eee, lad &#8211; tha doesn\u2019t know tha\u2019s born.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">writes in <s class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">my dad <\/s> Matthew Lawrenson:<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cWhen I were 16 &#8211; SIXTEEN! &#8211; I oughta been doing my GCSE revision, but I watched the cricket on BBC2. And what did I find? Phil DeFreitas bowling TWO balls and then nowt all day. And in those days, there were no socials or owt and we just had to wait for Tony Lewis to disappoint us in front of a drop splattered window. You kids today, don\u2019t know you\u2019re born&#8230;\u201d etc.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"e36d3380-bc52-46db-bf9f-5f15077389c5\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-jdwai6\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/lU04-UKjUWM?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"ENGLAND v PAKISTAN 1st TEST MATCH DAY 2 EDGBASTON JUNE 5 1992 ORIGINAL UK BROADCAST\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">I\u2019ve written about this before too Matthew \u2013 was there anything more soul-sappingly disappointing as a child than flicking on the television on a summer holiday Test match morning fully expecting to luxuriate in a day of Test cricket watching only to be met with the sight of gun metal skies, thick drizzle and full covers stretched across the outfield? \u201cAs am sure you can see from the rather inclement scene behind me\u2026\u201d a mournful David Gower, Mark Nicholas or Tony Lewis would say down the lens. Crushing.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c91b8f08fce2a63ff291&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c91b8f08fce2a63ff291&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c91b8f08fce2a63ff291#block-6a92c91b8f08fce2a63ff291\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c8108f089f2cda799b1c\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Like a toddler taking a Paw Patrol sticker off a poorly knee &#8211; the covers are being tentatively peeled away at Lord\u2019s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Egg on your face Scott Walker!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"b863476e-b4c4-41a9-8c03-26dfa51b5fb9\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-6xo16w\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/P-VDsaQ88cI?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"SCOTT WALKER - IT'S RAINING TODAY 1969\" height=\"480\" width=\"854\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">(cc Mike Jennings)<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c8108f089f2cda799b1c&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c8108f089f2cda799b1c&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c8108f089f2cda799b1c#block-6a92c8108f089f2cda799b1c\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c7488f08187a5f76ef49\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Now then! A message from on high \u2013 <s class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">God proclaims<\/s> ECB Comms Guru Chris Kerr sends a Whatsapp:<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><strong>\u201cIf no further rain, pitch inspection 13:15\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><em><strong>If<\/strong><\/em> is doing some particularly heavy lifting I fear but we will say our prayers to Chris\/God\/any higher power.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c7488f08187a5f76ef49&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c7488f08187a5f76ef49&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c7488f08187a5f76ef49#block-6a92c7488f08187a5f76ef49\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-08-29T11:56:35.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 07:56 AM Eastern Daylight Time\">07.56 EDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c6a08f089f2cda799b12\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">John Harrington sends in this lovely note: <\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cJames, with rumours of Test cricket making a return to terrestrial television, I have been thinking back to those halcyon days when the likes of Peter West had to fill hours of screen time while the British weather did its thing. If it is any consolation, on average, London has lower rainfall in August than Paris, Berlin, Florence, Barcelona, Amsterdam, Nassau, Acapulco, Miami, Noo Yawk, Kingston [Jamaica], Dallas and whatever Donald Trump is currently calling Montreal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Monty Python pretty much hit the nail on the head with their sketch about <a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/1qQEsVl0wkQ?si=KgLHweNP6J5G7nGN\" data-link-name=\"in body link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">the 1972 eclipse of the sun.<\/a> <\/p>\n<p>Lord knows what the Septics thought of this sketch, but as it was only on a vinyl record (\u201cMonty Python\u2019s Previous Record\u201d) rather than a TV episode, it is entirely possible no one in the USA has ever heard this sketch. I am not sure many people in the UK have, either, but it was one of only about three LPs in the Sixth Form break-out* room in 1972 at Abbs Cross School, Hornchurch, so there\u2019s about 30 or so of my former classmates who might remember it, although based on my experience at school reunions, I am the only person who remembers this sort of trivial nonsense.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Trivial nonsense? I\u2019ll hear nothing of the sort John!<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c6a08f089f2cda799b12&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c6a08f089f2cda799b12&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c6a08f089f2cda799b12#block-6a92c6a08f089f2cda799b12\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c6588f089f2cda799b10\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Matt Emerson is also <em>Temptationing<\/em> fate:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"1c52ccfc-d857-4660-adb6-048a0a2e574e\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-jdwai6\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/DCaFf7LfaMg?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"I Wish It Would Rain - The Temptations (1967) | {Stereo} | HD\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c6588f089f2cda799b10&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c6588f089f2cda799b10&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c6588f089f2cda799b10#block-6a92c6588f089f2cda799b10\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c5db8f08187a5f76ef42\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Peter Salmon rightly slams this one into the rain delay mixer:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-146y1tk\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-1usi6vc\"><title>double quotation mark<\/title><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>I\u2019m not crying it\u2019s just been raining on my face\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"125c1b5a-0bae-4f0e-bcf6-fada13d79d1a\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-6xo16w\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/-pVT_mvvZLo?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"Flight of the Conchords I'm not crying\" height=\"480\" width=\"854\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c5db8f08187a5f76ef42&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c5db8f08187a5f76ef42&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c5db8f08187a5f76ef42#block-6a92c5db8f08187a5f76ef42\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c55d8f08187a5f76ef3d\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cHi James\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Hello to the OBO surname approved Christopher Edge:<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cSurely there\u2019s got to be a mention of Saint Etienne\u2019s Hobart Paving for combining surreal rain-infused imagery alongside practical instructions to England\u2019s slip cordon:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-146y1tk\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-1usi6vc\"><title>double quotation mark<\/title><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>Rain falls, like Elvis\u2019 tears<br \/>Oh no, no sugar tonight<br \/>Out on the high street<br \/>Dim all the lights now<br \/>Cry coloured tears again<\/p>\n<p>And baby, don\u2019t forget to catch me<br \/>Don\u2019t forget to catch me<br \/>Don\u2019t forget to catch me<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<figure id=\"584fdede-28d2-46fc-8171-e70a128a4a8f\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-jdwai6\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/pUROeP4hT8s?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"Hobart Paving\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Here\u2019s hoping the Elvis tears at Lord\u2019s dry up soon\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c55d8f08187a5f76ef3d&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c55d8f08187a5f76ef3d&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c55d8f08187a5f76ef3d#block-6a92c55d8f08187a5f76ef3d\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/p>\n<p>Updated at\u00a0<time datetime=\"2026-08-29T12:04:15.000Z\" data-locale=\"en-us\" title=\"Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 08:04 AM Eastern Daylight Time\">08.04 EDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92c1748f08fce2a63ff266\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Nothing happening at Lord\u2019s I\u2019m afraid, apart from the small matter that it is absolutely <em>splooshing<\/em> it down. That is in fact music to the (discerning) ears of Michael Hann who sends in this Amis esque (Amissian?) short story:<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cHello James, my American partner is currently staying with me, and last night \u2013 in warm sunshine on Primrose Hill \u2013 she unexpectedly expressed an interest in watching international cricket, since she had heard there was a match at Lord\u2019s. I immediately went online and found, incredibly, there were some seats left on the Lord\u2019s website, and duly paid \u00a3180 for two of them, caught in the excitement of showing this majestic sport to someone new.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">I only checked the weather forecast after buying the tickets. Now I am in the position of praying for no play at all so I can get a refund for my own stupidity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">In that spirit I absolutely cannot recommend Dry the Rain by Beta Band for your rainy playlist.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"301b0891-efc9-4bd7-8ab8-0fe093ff205f\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-jdwai6\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/6XKvbROUmNk?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"Dry The Rain (Remaster)\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92c1748f08fce2a63ff266&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92c1748f08fce2a63ff266&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92c1748f08fce2a63ff266#block-6a92c1748f08fce2a63ff266\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92b7a38f089f2cda799ada\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Our very own Luke McLaughlin is getting into the soggy swing of things:<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cSticking with 90s Dad Rock rain-related tunes\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">He\u2019s alluding to my Travis infused preamble and no I will NOT hear a bad word sad against Fran and the lads. You hear?<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">\u201cHopefully the fans will get this later?\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"688ffa3f-3b30-4586-baa3-a1f1453096a7\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-6xo16w\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/3qVPNONdF58?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"Blind Melon - No Rain\" height=\"480\" width=\"854\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Hard acts to follow\u2026<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92b7a38f089f2cda799ada&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92b7a38f089f2cda799ada&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92b7a38f089f2cda799ada#block-6a92b7a38f089f2cda799ada\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92b72a8f089f2cda799ad9\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><em>Gah.<\/em> Simon then updates a few seconds later to say it is hammering down now at Lord\u2019s. Time to get stuck into his piece on Azan Awais then:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"0208c8d1-03b8-4062-bab3-433d664c2658\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:1,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Azan Awais offers Pakistan ray of hope amid their second Test gloom&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;0208c8d1-03b8-4062-bab3-433d664c2658&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/aug\/28\/azan-awais-pakistan-second-test-lords-england-cricket&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92b72a8f089f2cda799ad9&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92b72a8f089f2cda799ad9&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92b72a8f089f2cda799ad9#block-6a92b72a8f089f2cda799ad9\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92b5258f08fce2a63ff23a\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><em>The lovers, the dreamers and me<\/em><\/p>\n<figure id=\"0ab3af01-1cb8-4db9-915d-b479ba76732d\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-jdwai6\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/h0Hd3uWKFKY?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"Debbie Harry &amp; Kermit The Frog - Rainbow Connection\" height=\"480\" width=\"640\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">It\u2019s a strong start from Gary Naylor.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Simon pops up again from Lord\u2019s to give an encouraging\/not at all encouraging update. No rainbows in prospect just yet:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-146y1tk\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-1usi6vc\"><title>double quotation mark<\/title><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>It is CURRENTLY NOT RAINING! But you can always tell how optimistic the ground staff are about the near future by how busy they get when the rain stops, and they are currently not at all busy. Some gentle squidgeeing is taking place.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92b5258f08fce2a63ff23a&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92b5258f08fce2a63ff23a&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92b5258f08fce2a63ff23a#block-6a92b5258f08fce2a63ff23a\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92b2548f089f2cda799ac1\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Righto, I\u2019m going to hunt down some coffee and I\u2019ll be back in a bit to sift through your suggestions for rain related genius. I\u2019ve already done Andie MacDowell in FWAAF so you can\u2019t have that. Sorry.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92b2548f089f2cda799ac1&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92b2548f089f2cda799ac1&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92b2548f089f2cda799ac1#block-6a92b2548f089f2cda799ac1\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92b1d08f08fce2a63ff22b\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Live from Lord\u2019s\u2026 it\u2019s Simon Burnton!<\/p>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-146y1tk\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-1usi6vc\"><title>double quotation mark<\/title><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg>It\u2019s the most annoying kind of rainfall. Only just more than no rain. Lazy rainfall, the kind that can\u2019t really be arsed to get out of its fluffy cloud of a weekend. Parsing the rain radar it looks like there might be an hour or so of afternoon dryness, but it\u2019ll largely fall between 1-2pm so will probably be spent having lunch. It\u2019ll then get heavier for as long as it takes for everyone to finally give up. On the plus side, I\u2019ve ordered some wine.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92b1d08f08fce2a63ff22b&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92b1d08f08fce2a63ff22b&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92b1d08f08fce2a63ff22b#block-6a92b1d08f08fce2a63ff22b\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92b00a8f089f2cda799abb\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Stef B has been in touch to lament the weather but does suggest we have a communal listen to Chopin\u2019s Raindrop Prelude. About time someone brought a touch of class to things round here:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"c5016b38-cc2b-470e-9589-eeb2a59fbbeb\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.VideoYoutubeBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\">\n<div data-component=\"youtube-embed\" class=\"dcr-6xo16w\">\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/R2d2spnXyLA?wmode=opaque&amp;feature=oembed\" title=\"Lang Lang - Chopin, &quot;Raindrop&quot; Prelude on the Steinway &amp; Sons Spirio | r\" height=\"480\" width=\"854\" allowfullscreen=\"\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<blockquote data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" class=\"dcr-146y1tk\">\n<p><svg viewbox=\"0 0 22 14\" style=\"fill:var(--block-quote-fill)\" class=\"dcr-1usi6vc\"><title>double quotation mark<\/title><path d=\"M5.255 0h4.75c-.572 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941H0C.792 9.104 2.44 4.53 5.255 0Zm11.061 0H21c-.506 4.53-1.077 8.972-1.297 13.941h-8.686c.902-4.837 2.485-9.411 5.3-13.941Z\"\/><\/svg><em>Is it still raining? I hadn\u2019t noticed.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Please do send me your favourite rain\/weather related songs, lyrics, books, films, quotes, scenes etc<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92b00a8f089f2cda799abb&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92b00a8f089f2cda799abb&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92b00a8f089f2cda799abb#block-6a92b00a8f089f2cda799abb\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92afa38f08fce2a63ff217\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Barney Ronay dipped his quill on Jofra:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"8b8d12dd-03a8-4053-8ae4-3d854a89a6ff\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:1,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Archer illuminates fading summer as Pakistan\u2019s marzipan men melt away | Barney Ronay&quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;8b8d12dd-03a8-4053-8ae4-3d854a89a6ff&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/aug\/28\/archer-illuminates-fading-summer-pakistan-marzipan-men-melt-away&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92afa38f08fce2a63ff217&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92afa38f08fce2a63ff217&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92afa38f08fce2a63ff217#block-6a92afa38f08fce2a63ff217\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"block-6a92ad998f08187a5f76eece\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Catch up with yesterday\u2019s action with Ali Martin\u2019s report:<\/p>\n<figure id=\"f78e3721-62d6-4600-839a-154f8da53f56\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\" class=\"dcr-d9bay7\"><gu-island name=\"RichLinkComponent\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;richLinkIndex&quot;:1,&quot;element&quot;:{&quot;_type&quot;:&quot;model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement&quot;,&quot;prefix&quot;:&quot;Related: &quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Ol\u00e9 for Robinson as England take firm control of Lord\u2019s Test against Pakistan &quot;,&quot;elementId&quot;:&quot;f78e3721-62d6-4600-839a-154f8da53f56&quot;,&quot;role&quot;:&quot;inline&quot;,&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/2026\/aug\/28\/ole-for-robinson-as-england-take-firm-control-of-lords-test-against-pakistan&quot;},&quot;ajaxUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/api.nextgen.guardianapps.co.uk&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2}}\"\/><\/figure>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92ad998f08187a5f76eece&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92ad998f08187a5f76eece&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92ad998f08187a5f76eece#block-6a92ad998f08187a5f76eece\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container ad-slot-desktop dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a92acb18f08fce2a63ff206\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\"\/>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The rain shouldn\u2019t stop England winning this match and taking the series with one game still to play in Birmingham.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">Joe Root\u2019s side are 260 runs ahead with seven second innings wickets in hand. The forecast for later today and tomorrow is better, there should be plenty of opportunity for England to secure a <strong>first series win in 18 months.<\/strong> <em>Gulp<\/em>.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a92acb18f08fce2a63ff206&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a92acb18f08fce2a63ff206&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a92acb18f08fce2a63ff206#block-6a92acb18f08fce2a63ff206\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<aside data-ad-slot=\"true\" class=\"ad-slot-container dcr-73ci1u\"\/>\n<article id=\"block-6a8ee0888f08650183b5887d\" class=\"block dcr-wo4zmo\">\n<header class=\"dcr-dm96fu\">\n<h2 class=\"dcr-1pxv6ha\">Preamble<\/h2>\n<div class=\"dcr-u1xpqf\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1dedliu\"><\/div>\n<p><span class=\"dcr-scesqk\">James Wallace<\/span><\/div>\n<\/header>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\"><em>Why does it always rain on me? Is it because England have Pakistan 81-3?<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">I\u2019m afraid it is going to be a severely rain affected day three at Lord\u2019s and the forecast is particularly grim, Rowan Atkinson\u2019s Blackadder might describe it as wetter than a platypus at a private prep school. Something like that anyway.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">We\u2019ve had news from on high (the ECB bods rather than God, though it would be useful to get a steer from the biggun) that the start of play is \u2018Officially Delayed\u2019. Well, indeed.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-1s160rg\">The covers are on and will be for the foreseeable, any updates I\u2019ll bring to you toot suite. Until then we\u2019ll just have to while away the hours in trusty OBO rain delay fashion.<\/p>\n<footer class=\"dcr-i9zbi8\"><gu-island name=\"ShareButton\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"visible\" props=\"{&quot;size&quot;:&quot;xsmall&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;hash&quot;:&quot;block-6a8ee0888f08650183b5887d&quot;,&quot;queryParams&quot;:{&quot;page&quot;:&quot;with:block-6a8ee0888f08650183b5887d&quot;},&quot;webTitle&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&quot;,&quot;format&quot;:{&quot;design&quot;:11,&quot;display&quot;:0,&quot;theme&quot;:2},&quot;context&quot;:&quot;LiveBlock&quot;}\"><a href=\"mailto:?subject=England v Pakistan: second men\u2019s cricket Test, day three start delayed \u2013 live&amp;body=https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live?CMP=share_btn_url&amp;page=with%3Ablock-6a8ee0888f08650183b5887d#block-6a8ee0888f08650183b5887d\" type=\"button\" class=\"dcr-10ju04u\">Share<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"-3 -3 30 30\" focusable=\"false\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M19 16c1.675 0 3 1.35 3 3 0 1.675-1.325 3-3 3a2.97 2.97 0 0 1-2.975-3c0-.125 0-.275.025-.375L7.1 14.15a2.9 2.9 0 0 1-2.075.825C3.325 14.975 2 13.65 2 12a3.004 3.004 0 0 1 3.025-3.025c.775 0 1.5.35 2.075.875l8.95-4.475c-.025-.1-.025-.225-.025-.4A2.966 2.966 0 0 1 19 2c1.675 0 3 1.325 3 2.975C22 6.65 20.675 8 19 8c-.8 0-1.475-.325-2.05-.825l-8.975 4.45C8 11.7 8 11.825 8 12s0 .3-.025.375l8.975 4.45c.575-.5 1.25-.825 2.05-.825m0-12.8c-.975 0-1.8.775-1.8 1.775S18.025 6.8 19 6.8c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.825S20 3.2 19 3.2m0 17.6c1 0 1.825-.825 1.825-1.8 0-1-.825-1.8-1.825-1.8-.975 0-1.8.8-1.8 1.8 0 .975.825 1.8 1.8 1.8\"\/><\/svg><\/a><\/gu-island><\/footer>\n<\/article>\n<p><gu-island name=\"LiveBlogEpic\" priority=\"feature\" deferuntil=\"idle\" props=\"{&quot;sectionId&quot;:&quot;sport&quot;,&quot;shouldHideReaderRevenue&quot;:false,&quot;tags&quot;:[{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/england-v-pakistan-2026&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;England v Pakistan 2026&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/england-cricket-team&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;England cricket team&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/pakistancricketteam&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Pakistan cricket team&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/cricket&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Cricket&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/sport&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Sport&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;sport\/over-by-over-reports&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Keyword&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Over by over reports&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;type\/article&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Type&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Article&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/minutebyminute&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Minute by minute&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tone\/news&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tone&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;News&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/james-wallace&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;James Wallace&quot;,&quot;bylineImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.jpg?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=aa7d18847f4d269f8eed30ab90428ddb&quot;,&quot;bylineLargeImageUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/uploads\/2022\/08\/30\/James_Wallace.png?width=300&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=eb73166c6ed34247a3a7d2df4036a3b6&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;profile\/timdelisle&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Contributor&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Tim de Lisle&quot;},{&quot;id&quot;:&quot;tracking\/commissioningdesk\/uk-sport&quot;,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;Tracking&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;UK Sport&quot;}],&quot;isPaidContent&quot;:false,&quot;contributionsServiceUrl&quot;:&quot;https:\/\/contributions.guardianapis.com&quot;,&quot;pageId&quot;:&quot;sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live&quot;,&quot;keywordIds&quot;:&quot;sport\/england-v-pakistan-2026,sport\/england-cricket-team,sport\/pakistancricketteam,sport\/cricket,sport\/sport,sport\/over-by-over-reports&quot;,&quot;renderingTarget&quot;:&quot;Web&quot;,&quot;isSensitive&quot;:false}\"\/><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/sport\/live\/2026\/aug\/29\/england-v-pakistan-second-mens-cricket-test-day-three-live\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Key events The weather is toying with us! The covers are now coming off and the groundstaff are even re-painting the crease lines. Stand by your beds. Share Ah, the covers are being hauled back on, it is raining again. Michael Hann\u2019s sigh of relief gusts over Primrose Hill. Share \u201cRain? RAIN? Eee, lad &#8211; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":260160,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6803],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-260159","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cricket"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260159","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=260159"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/260159\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/260160"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=260159"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=260159"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=260159"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}