England asserted control on the second morning of the Lord’s Test on Friday, reducing Pakistan to 16-2 by the lunch interval. After resuming their first innings at 248-9, England added 47 runs to reach a total of 290 all out in 66.4 overs. The final-wicket partnership between Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson proved vital, contributing 42 runs on the day before spinner Ali Usman finally dismissed Atkinson for 45.
Pakistan’s response began under significant pressure, compounded by the absence of Imam-ul-Haq, who sustained a low-grade left calf strain while fielding on Thursday. A team statement noted that “his participation in the remainder of the test depends on treatment leading to recovery.” With no replacement available, captain Shan Masood moved up the order but fell early, nicking a delivery from Jofra Archer behind for just 1 run.
The visitors’ struggles continued as their most in-form batter, Abdullah Shafique, was dismissed in the final over before lunch. Shafique, who managed only 5 runs from 32 balls, edged a ball from Josh Tongue to the wicketkeeper. Archer maintained significant intensity during his five-over spell, clocking speeds up to 94 mph (152 kph) and striking Shafique with a 92 mph bouncer that brushed his glove.
Novice opener Azan Awais remained at the crease on 8 not out from 44 balls, having survived a challenging session. Awais, playing in his sixth Test, narrowly avoided dismissal on three occasions. He successfully reviewed an lbw decision when replays confirmed an Atkinson delivery hit his shoulder, and later benefited from a dropped catch by Harry Brook at second slip when he was on 8.
Pakistan, which has yet to surpass 200 runs in any innings during this three-Test series, faces a difficult task to level the series. Earlier in the day, Pakistan medium-pacer Mohammad Abbas attempted to secure his fifth wicket of the innings but was unable to hold onto a difficult return catch offered by Atkinson. The momentum firmly shifted toward the hosts as they look to capitalize on their early breakthroughs. The report also notes that and overturned being given out on 7 when video showed Gus Atkinson’s first delivery hit his shoulder, he survived an England review before he scored.
