On the second day of the second Test at Lord’s, Pakistan were dismissed for a mere 110 runs in their first innings, handing England a commanding 180-run lead. The visitors struggled to build partnerships as England’s pace attack relentlessly dismantled their batting line-up.
England had resumed their innings at 248-9 and managed to add 42 more runs before being bowled out for 290. The last-wicket partnership between Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue proved crucial, contributing 47 runs. Atkinson, unbeaten on 34 overnight, finished with 45 runs off 46 balls before being caught off Ali Usman. Tongue remained not out on 30, surpassing his previous Test best and helping England push their total closer to 300 after an early collapse at 36-3 on the previous day.
Pakistan’s response was dismal, lasting only 48.4 overs. Opener Azan Awais was the standout performer for Pakistan, top-scoring with 46 runs, while Saud Shakeel made 16. Other batsmen struggled significantly, with Babar Azam scoring 8 and Mohammad Rizwan 7. Abdullah Shafique managed 5, and Mohammad Abbas, Ali Usman, Shan Masood, and Khurram Shahzad contributed minimal runs, scoring 2, 1, 1, and 1 respectively. Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat due to a calf injury sustained while fielding on the opening day.
England’s fast bowlers dominated the innings. Ollie Robinson was the most successful, taking four wickets for just 11 runs. Jofra Archer claimed three wickets for 26 runs, and Josh Tongue took two, completing Pakistan’s collapse.
Earlier, Pakistan had impressed with their bowling on day one, with Mohammad Abbas taking four wickets and Mohammad Ali three, restricting England to 248-9 after 56 overs. However, the resilient last-wicket stand between Atkinson and Tongue helped England extend their total beyond 280.
Pakistan’s innings began poorly as England’s pace attack immediately exploited the conditions. Jofra Archer delivered a hostile spell, removing Shan Masood who edged a 91 mph delivery to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Shortly before lunch, Tongue dismissed Abdullah Shafique after a successful review confirmed an edge, leaving Pakistan at 16-2 at the break.
After the interval, England’s seamers maintained pressure, regularly breaking partnerships. Pakistan failed to establish any significant resistance and were eventually bowled out for 110.
This result places England in a dominant position with a 180-run lead in the second Test. England had already secured a 1-0 series lead by winning the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. With Pakistan facing a substantial deficit and England’s bowlers in fine form, the hosts are poised to strengthen their advantage when they begin their second innings.
