Pakistan suffered a dramatic batting collapse on the second day of the Lords Test match, getting bowled out for just 110 runs in their first innings. The visitors crumbled in under one and a half sessions, lasting merely 37.2 overs against a relentless English fast-bowling attack. As a result, England have secured a massive first-innings lead of 180 runs, taking complete command of the match on home turf.
Batting Disaster for Pakistan as Only Two Reach Double Figures
Pakistan's top and middle-order batsmen struggled to contend with the movement and bounce at Lords. Opener Azaan Awais was the lone fighter in the innings, exhibiting patience as he scored 46 runs off 102 balls to emerge as the top scorer. Saud Shakeel was the only other batsman to manage double figures, contributing 16 runs before being dismissed. The remaining batting lineup collapsed cheaply.
Skipper Shan Masood made just 1 run, while Abdullah Shafique was sent back for 5. Star batsman Babar Azam continued his difficult run, managing only 8 runs, and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan scored 7 runs. Regular opener Imam-ul-Haq was unable to bat due to an injury. In his absence, Shan Masood opened the innings alongside Azaan Awais, but the temporary arrangement failed to steady the ship.
Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer Lead England's Pace Attack
England's seam attack proved devastatingly effective in exploiting the home conditions. Fast bowler Ollie Robinson delivered an exceptionally tight and lethal spell, capturing 4 wickets for just 11 runs in 13 overs. Jofra Archer bowled with fiery pace and discipline at the other end, taking 3 wickets for 26 runs in 11.2 overs. Young paceman Josh Tongue provided excellent support, claiming 2 wickets for 27 runs in his 6 overs. Together, the trio dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup to put England in the driver's seat.
Crucial Tenth-Wicket Stand Pushes England to 290
Earlier in the day, England resumed their first innings from their overnight score of 248 for 9. The final pair of Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue mounted a vital counter-attack, adding 47 runs for the tenth wicket to push England's total to 290. Gus Atkinson was the last man out, scoring a punchy 45 runs off 46 deliveries, while Josh Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 off 48 balls.
Day 1 Recap: Middle-Order Recovery and Pakistan's Bowling Efforts
Having lost the toss and being inserted to bat on Day 1, England had initially found themselves in deep trouble at 77 for 4. At that stage, reaching a total of 200 appeared unlikely for the hosts. However, Jordan Cox, batting at number three, scored 55, and Jamie Smith, coming in at number seven, added 61 runs to rebuild the innings. For Pakistan, right-arm fast bowler Mohammad Abbas was the pick of the bowlers in the first innings, taking 4 wickets for 73 runs in 20 overs. Mohammad Ali supported well with 3 wickets for 86 runs in 22 overs, while Khurram Shahzad and Ali Usman took 1 wicket each.
