England recovered from a dramatic top-order collapse to reach 248-9 against Pakistan on Thursday, the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s.
Jamie Smith scored 61, while Jordan Cox made 55 to steady the innings. Cox also recorded his second consecutive Test fifty.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to field on a green-tinged pitch under cloudy skies. The decision quickly paid off as England slipped to 36-3.
Veteran paceman Mohammad Abbas led Pakistan’s attack. He claimed three wickets for four runs in just 16 balls, including England captain Joe Root for four.
Abbas later finished the day with 4-56 from 15 overs. Mohammad Ali also impressed, taking 3-67 from 17 overs.
England recover after early wickets
England struggled against Pakistan’s seam attack during the first session. Harry Brook fell for 15 after Ali produced a delivery that moved sharply back into him.
Dan Lawrence then survived a dropped catch before Pakistan eventually dismissed him through a run-out. Lawrence had made 10 when he attempted a risky single.
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Cox and Smith then rebuilt the innings. Their partnership added 67 runs and brought England back into the contest.
Cox reached his fifty from 88 balls, including seven fours. However, his innings ended when substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha held a fine slip catch off Khurram Shahzad.
Smith also completed a half-century, reaching 50 from only 63 balls. Ali then bowled him for 61 and dismissed Ollie Robinson two balls later.
Pakistan return to Lord’s
Pakistan made one change to their team for the second Test. Babar Azam returned after recovering from a finger injury, replacing stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat in the first Test at Headingley. England won that match by an innings and 103 runs after dismissing Pakistan for 171 and 135.
The visitors produced a much stronger bowling performance at Lord’s, although their fielding remained inconsistent.
Mohammad Rizwan took an excellent one-handed catch to dismiss Emilio Gay. He later helped complete Lawrence’s run-out after Shan Masood’s accurate throw.
Pakistan’s bowlers continued to apply pressure as the day progressed. However, Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 34 when bad light stopped play.
Jofra Archer hit Abbas for a straight six late in the day, but the Pakistan seamer soon dismissed Atkinson’s partner to strengthen his team’s position.
The umpires ended play because of poor light despite the floodlights being on. England will resume their innings at 248-9 on the second day.
