LONDON: Pakistan suffered two early setbacks in their first innings after England were bowled out for 290 on the second morning of the second Test at Lord’s on Friday.
At lunch, Pakistan were struggling at 16 for 2, still trailing England by 274 runs. Young opener Azan Awais was unbeaten on 8, while captain Babar Azam was set to join him in the afternoon session.
Pakistan made a poor start to their reply, losing experienced opener Shan Masood for just one run in the fourth over with the team’s score at only five.
Azan Awais was then joined by Abdullah Shafique, and the pair added 11 runs for the second wicket before England pacer Josh Tongue had Shafique caught behind off the first delivery of the 15th over.
Shafique departed for 11, leaving Pakistan at 16 for 2 and prompting the umpires to call for lunch.
England Bowled Out for 290
Earlier, Pakistan’s pace attack completed the dismissal of England for 290, with the hosts adding 42 runs to their overnight total of 248 for 9.
England resumed on 248 for 9 after only 56 overs were possible on the opening day because of rain and bad light.
Gus Atkinson was the final England batter to fall, scoring 45 off 46 balls with six boundaries, while Josh Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 off 48 deliveries, including four boundaries.
The pair added 47 runs for the final wicket, helping England recover from a difficult position and post a competitive total.
Pakistan’s bowlers were led by Mohammad Abbas, who finished with excellent figures of 4 for 73 in 20 overs. Mohammad Ali claimed three wickets, while Khurram Shahzad and Ali Usman took one wicket each.
For England, Jamie Smith top-scored with 61, while Jordan Cox contributed 55.
Pakistan Face Early Challenge
Pakistan had dominated large portions of the opening day despite only 56 overs being bowled. Rain delayed the start, while poor light forced an early close, around an hour before the scheduled finish.
Pakistan’s fast bowlers made a strong impact during the final 12-over session on Thursday, taking four wickets while conceding just 68 runs.
Meanwhile, Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq’s participation in the remainder of the Test remains uncertain after he suffered a low-grade calf strain. Pakistan subsequently opened their innings with Shan Masood and Azan Awais.
With two early wickets already down, Pakistan will now look to Babar Azam and Azan Awais to rebuild the innings and reduce England’s first-innings advantage.
