England 60/3 in 16.3 Overs | England vs Pakistan 2nd Test Live Score: Pakistan strike back after tea as England lose two quick wickets

ENG vs PAK Live: Pakistan will go into Day 2 of the second Test against England with an advantage after a disciplined bowling display reduced the hosts to 248/9 on a weather-hit Lord’s on the opening day. After morning rain delayed the start and poor light brought an early end, only 56 overs were possible.

England’s immediate aim will be to add as many runs as possible with Gus Atkinson unbeaten on 34 and Josh Tongue on one. Pakistan, meanwhile, will want to wrap up the innings quickly and deploy their batsmen in what could be their most important innings of the series.

Mohammad Abbas has already done much of the damage. The seasoned seamer finished with 4/56, including the wickets of Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett and England captain Joe Root in a fine opening spell. He also reached the milestone of 900 first-class wickets during the day. Mohammad Ali provided excellent support with 3/67.

Pakistan’s bowlers repeatedly found movement from the surface that offered relief in the overcast conditions. England were reduced to 36/3 and then 80/4 before Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith launched a determined recovery.

Cox’s 55 was probably the most important innings of the day. He absorbed the pressure for long before putting on a 67-run partnership with Smith, who produced a more aggressive 61 off 80 balls. Their efforts pulled England away from the prospect of being bowled out for a below-par total.

Atkinson’s late counter-attack then pushed England to 250, leaving the visitors with one last wicket to claim as play resumed.