Pakistan strike back at Lord’s as Abbas-led attack leaves England 248/9

 


Pakistan produced a vastly improved bowling performance on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s, reducing England to 248/9 in 56 overs on a rain-affected Thursday. After their emphatic innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley, Pakistan’s disciplined pace attack immediately put the hosts under severe pressure. 


The chief architect of Pakistan’s revival was the experienced Mohammad Abbas, who exploited the overcast conditions with superb control and movement. He finished the day with 4/56 from 15 overs, including the prized wicket of England captain Joe Root. Abbas also reached the significant landmark of 900 first-class wickets during his outstanding spell. 


England were rocked early, slipping to 80/4 by lunch. Abbas’s incisive opening spell accounted for three wickets, while Mohammad Ali provided excellent support. Ali ended the day with 3/67 from 17 overs, leaving Pakistan just one wicket away from wrapping up England’s innings. 


However, England’s middle order showed admirable resilience. Jordan Cox compiled a patient 55 off 105 balls, striking seven fours, while wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith counter-attacked impressively with 61 off 80 balls, including 10 fours. Their 67-run sixth-wicket partnership dragged England out of serious trouble after they had slumped to 120/5. 


Pakistan eventually regained control, with Khurram Shahzad claiming the wicket of Cox, while Ali and Abbas continued to apply relentless pressure. Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 34 when bad light brought an early end to proceedings. 


The truncated day belonged marginally to Pakistan. Their pacers extracted movement from a helpful Lord’s surface, their attack was considerably sharper than at Headingley, and England were left clinging to a slender position at 248/9. With only one wicket remaining, Pakistan will hope to finish the innings quickly on Day 2 before their batsmen face what could still be testing conditions.

Day 1 in numbers:

England: 248/9, 56 overs

Mohammad Abbas: 4/56

Mohammad Ali: 3/67

Khurram Shahzad: 1 wicket

Jamie Smith: 61 (80 balls, 10 fours)

Jordan Cox: 55 (105 balls, 7 fours)

Gus Atkinson: 34*

Abbas: reached 900 first-class wickets

Play: curtailed by rain and bad light.

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