ISLAMABAD: After bearing the brunt of intense criticism, Pakistan’s pace attack finally raised Pakistan's hopes from the gutter of a dire start to the series before fresh England pairing Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox restored the hosts to parity on a weather-hit opening day in the second Test at Lord's as England closed the day with 248 for 9.
After facing intense criticism, Pakistan’s pace attack finally rediscovered its bite, reducing England to 248 for 9 in the first innings of the second Test at Lord’s, with Mohammad Abbas leading the charge with a four-wicket haul and Mohammad Ali providing excellent support with three wickets
The match started more than an hour late due to rain, and the visitors were fortunate in the overcast conditions, as captain Babar Azam won the toss and wasted no time opting to field.
Pakistan made one change to the side that suffered a heavy innings defeat in the first Test, with Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan at Headingley in Babar Azam’s absence, dropping out of the XI, while England retained the same winning combination.
The grassy pitch and overcast conditions offered the fast bowlers an ideal opportunity to make an impact, and Pakistan’s pacers seized it with both hands. Mohammad Abbas, who has considerable experience of English conditions from his years of county cricket, made his experience count by removing both England openers with the score on 26.
Emilio Gay was the first to depart after scoring eight runs, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan taking an excellent diving catch to his right. Ben Duckett was dismissed for 17, being given out leg before wicket. When the umpire turned down a strong appeal, Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision and had it overturned.
Cox remained resolute at the crease and brought up his half-century with two consecutive boundaries off Mohammad Ali, while Dan Lawrence was handed a reprieve on 10 when Shan Masood could not hold on to a chance at midwicket off Khurram Shahzad. However, the drop did not cost Pakistan much, as a mix-up in the middle saw Lawrence run out for 17, with Mohammad Rizwan completing the dismissal to leave England five down for 120.
Just as Pakistan appeared to be gaining control, Cox and Jamie Smith set about rebuilding the innings and took England to tea without further damage, with the hosts reaching 180 for five at the end of the second session.
Pakistan’s bowlers and fielders, however, continued to offer England opportunities, with the visitors putting down several chances while Shahzad and Ali struggled with their discipline, sending down five no-balls each. Smith was given a lifeline on 19 when Rizwan dropped a chance off Ali.
