By Dwayne Ferreira.
Mohammad Abbas took four wickets as Pakistan restricted England to 248/9 on a rain-shortened opening day of the second Test at Lord’s.
Pakistan produced a much-improved bowling performance to leave England struggling at 248 for nine at the close of a rain-affected opening day of the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday.
Veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas was the standout performer, claiming four wickets as Pakistan exploited helpful overhead conditions after winning the toss and choosing to bowl.
England were reduced to 80 for four by lunch, with their top order unable to settle against Pakistan’s disciplined seam attack. Abbas struck repeatedly, removing key batters including England captain Joe Root, as the hosts found themselves under pressure early in the contest.
Cox and Smith Rescue England
England’s recovery was led by Jordan Cox and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who produced crucial half-centuries when Pakistan appeared capable of running through the batting order.
Cox made 55, while Smith top-scored with 61, the pair adding an important 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Their resistance gave England some stability, but Pakistan continued to strike often enough to prevent the hosts from building a commanding first-innings total.
Mohammad Ali provided excellent support for Abbas, taking three wickets as Pakistan maintained pressure throughout the shortened day’s play.
Abbas Turns Back the Clock at Lord’s
For Abbas, it was another memorable performance at a ground where he has previously enjoyed success.
The experienced right-arm seamer used movement off the surface and relentless accuracy to trouble England’s batters, finishing the day with four wickets and remaining within reach of a five-wicket haul when play resumes.
One of his wickets also brought a personal milestone, with the dismissal of Ben Duckett marking Abbas’ 900th first-class wicket.
Pakistan’s bowling display represented a significant improvement from the opening Test at Headingley, where England won by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Atkinson Gives England Late Resistance
Pakistan were still unable to dismiss England completely.
Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 34 and helped the hosts push their total towards 250 alongside the lower order before deteriorating light brought proceedings to an early conclusion.
Only 56 overs were possible during the opening day because of rain and bad light.
England therefore finished on 248 for nine, leaving the match intriguingly balanced heading into Day 2.
Pakistan will hope to remove the final wicket quickly before beginning their first innings, while England will believe that anything approaching 270 could prove competitive if conditions continue to favour the seamers.
After their difficult opening Test, however, Pakistan finally produced the response they needed.
Day 1 Score
England 248/9 (56 overs)
Jamie Smith 61
Jordan Cox 55
Gus Atkinson 34*
Pakistan bowling:
Mohammad Abbas 4 wickets
Mohammad Ali 3 wickets
England lead the two-Test series 1-0.
