England’s lower order produced a determined effort on a challenging opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, with Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox leading the resistance. After rain delayed the start and poor light brought an early finish, England closed on 248-9. Smith top-scored with a composed 61, while Cox continued his promising start to Test cricket with an impressive 55.
The pitch appeared considerably better than the troublesome surface used during England’s victory over New Zealand in June. However, with further rain forecast over the coming days, the significance of England’s total remains uncertain. Smith and Cox put England in a stronger position with a crucial 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Smith looked increasingly assured at the crease, while Cox once again demonstrated the maturity and temperament that have marked his first few Tests.
Gus Atkinson provided a late boost, finishing unbeaten on 34 to ensure England reached a competitive total despite Pakistan’s improved bowling display. Mohammad Abbas was the pick of Pakistan’s attack with four wickets, while Mohammad Ali claimed three. Pakistan, however, missed opportunities in the field, dropping three catches that could prove costly as the Test develops.
England will hope their hard-earned total gives them a platform to push for victory and potentially seal the series, providing a welcome positive after a difficult week overshadowed by the controversy surrounding Brydon Carse.
Earlier, Pakistan have put England under early pressure on the opening day of the second Test at Lord’s, reducing the hosts to 36-3 after a superb opening spell from paceman Mohammad Abbas. Earlier, Pakistan elected to bowl first after winning the toss against England in the second Test of the three-match series at Lord’s on Thursday.
The visitors have made a notable change to their playing XI, with Babar Azam returning after missing the opening Test at Headingley. His comeback comes at the expense of stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha, who has been left out of the side. England and Pakistan have met 93 times in Test cricket. England have won 31 encounters, while Pakistan have recorded 23 victories, with the remaining 39 matches ending in draws.
Pakistan will take confidence from their recent record in London, having won their last three Tests against England in the capital. They secured victories at Lord’s in 2016 and 2018 before beating England at The Oval in 2016. England, meanwhile, have won two of their last five Test matches. They will nevertheless head into the second Test with plenty of confidence after producing a dominant performance in the series opener, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs.