ENG vs PAK, 2nd Test Highlights: Abbas, Ali Shine as England End Day 1 on 248/9

ENG vs PAK 2nd Test: Pakistan made a strong start to the second Test at Lord’s, with Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali leading a disciplined pace attack that left England struggling at 248/9 at stumps on Day 1. Rain delayed the start and bad light eventually brought an early end after just 56 overs.

Abbas Destroys England’s Top Order

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl, and Mohammad Abbas immediately made the most of the overcast conditions.

The veteran pacer took 4/56, including the crucial wickets of Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett and Joe Root. Root’s dismissal for just four was particularly significant as England quickly slipped to 36/3.

Abbas also reached an important personal milestone during the innings, completing 900 first-class wickets.

Mohammad Ali Provides Excellent Support

Mohammad Ali complemented Abbas brilliantly, claiming 3/67.

His biggest impact came during the middle and final sessions. He bowled Harry Brook for 15, then removed Jamie Smith after the wicketkeeper-batter had played a crucial innings. Ali also dismissed Ollie Robinson for a duck.

Together, Abbas and Ali accounted for seven of England’s nine wickets.

Cox and Smith Rescue England

England looked in serious trouble at 120/5 before Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith produced a vital partnership.

Cox made a patient 55 off 105 balls, while Smith played more aggressively and scored 61 off 80 balls, including 10 fours.

Their 67-run sixth-wicket partnership helped England recover from the early collapse and gave the hosts a chance of reaching a competitive total.

Atkinson Keeps England Alive

After Smith’s dismissal, Gus Atkinson provided another late boost.

He remained unbeaten on 34 from 27 balls, including five fours, and helped push England to 248/9 before bad light stopped play. Josh Tongue was unbeaten on 1 at the other end.

Pakistan Could Have Done Even Better

Despite dominating for long periods, Pakistan missed several opportunities in the field.

England benefited from dropped chances, including an opportunity involving Smith. Pakistan’s fielding lapses prevented them from completely finishing off the hosts.

Nevertheless, the visitors will be pleased with their bowling performance after a disappointing opening Test at Headingley.

England 248/9 at Stumps

England: 248/9 in 56 overs
Jamie Smith: 61
Jordan Cox: 55
Gus Atkinson: 34*
Mohammad Abbas: 4/56
Mohammad Ali: 3/67
Khurram Shahzad: 1 wicket

The match began late because of rain and ended early because of poor light, making Day 1 considerably shorter than normal.

The Bottom Line

Pakistan have the early advantage at Lord’s, thanks to a superb spell from Mohammad Abbas and strong support from Mohammad Ali. However, England’s middle order fought back through Cox, Smith and Atkinson.

With England just one wicket away from being bowled out, Day 2 could begin with Pakistan looking to finish the innings quickly before facing England’s bowlers on a surface that has already shown plenty of assistance to seamers.