ENG vs PAK, 2nd Test: Abbas puts Pakistan on top before bad light forces early stumps

Brief scores: England 248/9 (Jamie Smith 61; Mohammad Abbas 4/62) v Pakistan at stumps, Day 1 of Lord’s Test.

Muhammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali led a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack as England were reduced to 248/9 on a rain-soaked opening day of the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday. Play did not start until 12:20 BST after heavy rain delayed the start and England quickly found themselves in trouble in the overcast conditions. The hosts slipped to 36/3 in just 10.3 overs, with Abbas making the most of the movement on offer.

England vs. Pakistan 2nd Test Day 1: HIGHLIGHTS

Abbas was an outstanding bowler, taking four wickets, including the prized dismissal of Joe Root for just four. The Pakistan seamer also removed Emilio Gaye for eight and Ben Duckett for 17 during a spell in which he claimed three wickets for four runs over 16 deliveries. Mohammad Ali provided excellent support with three wickets. Harry Brook, Jamie Smith and Ollie Robinson were among his victims, with each batter pouncing on deliveries that were hurtling down the Lord’s slope.

However, England’s middle order prevented Pakistan from taking complete control. Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith combined to form a crucial 67-run partnership for the sixth wicket to help the hosts recover from a precarious position. Cox made a composed 55 off 105 balls, while Smith top-scored for England with 61 before Ali ended his innings. The pair managed the difficult conditions well, the weather improved during the afternoon.

Gus Atkinson then added valuable runs late in the day to remain unbeaten on 34 to take England to the 250-run mark. Pakistan could have been in an even stronger position but were let down by a few dropped catches. Imam-ul-Haq dropped Root at third slip before being dismissed for four, while Shan Masood bowled Lawrence for 10 and later made amends by dismissing him at 17.

Mohammad Rizwan also missed an opportunity behind the stumps while Pakistan’s slip cordon struggled at times to hold on to edges that did not carry cleanly. England eventually reached 248/9 before poor light brought proceedings to an early end at 18:10. The referees subsequently decided against returning to the pitch.

With more rain forecast over the next few days, the total figure for England remains uncertain. However, after being put under considerable pressure early on, the hosts’ fightback through Cox, Smith and Atkinson left the Test well set for the second day.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

27 Aug 2026 23:57 IST