Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer tore through Pakistan's batting line‑up, helping England build a commanding 261‑run lead on the second day of the Lord's Test. England’s bowlers were dominant with both ball and bat, opening the day with Josh Tongue (30 not out) and Gus Atkinson (45) already at the crease.
The lower order set the tone early, adding a vital 47‑run partnership that pushed England to a first‑innings total of 290. Once the hosts' aggressive pace attack returned to the field, they swiftly dismissed Pakistan for just 110 runs in 37.2 overs. The four‑man English seam unit – Robinson, Archer, Tongue and Atkinson – ran through the Pakistani side with relentless pressure before the lunch interval, though they were slightly unlucky not to claim more wickets as Pakistan were 16 for 2 at the break. Back on his familiar Lord's turf, Robinson, who claimed seven wickets against New Zealand earlier in the season, was the standout bowler, returning figures of 4‑11.
Archer, showcasing his blistering speed, added 3‑26, while Tongue also made his mark, removing both Abdullah Shafique (5) and captain Babar Azam (8) on either side of the lunch break. Azan Awais was Pakistan’s top scorer, grinding out 46 runs from 102 balls before being caught at mid‑on by Emilio Gay off a sharp Robinson bouncer. After tea, England lost wickets quickly – Ben Duckett (1), Jordan Cox (11) and Joe Root (24) all fell within 17 overs, leaving England at 81 for 3 at stumps.
Gay (30 not out) and Harry Brook (7 not out) were set to resume on Saturday morning. When play resumed on Friday, Pakistan struggled to break the opening partnership of Tongue and Atkinson, a lapse that proved costly. Atkinson, taking the strike, struck Ali Usman for four, only to be caught on the next ball at long‑off. Tongue’s batting was aggressive; he swept four boundaries and consistently found the gap between third slip and gully, adding 42 runs to the England total.
The English bowlers exceeded expectations on the Friday session, delivering an hour‑long spell of unrelenting pace before lunch. It took four overs for the first wicket, when Archer’s searing delivery forced Shan Masood (1) to edge behind to Smith.
Smith, who had top‑scored for England with 61 the previous day, was soon back in action as Tongue sent a sharp ball at Shafique, who also edged behind, leaving Pakistan 2‑16 after 14.1 overs. After the break, England maintained their intensity.
Tongue claimed the crucial wicket of captain Babar Azam, while Robinson dismissed Saud Shakeel (16) lbw after a review. Robinson also trapped Mohammad Rizwan (7) lbw following a brief rain interruption, overturning two decisions in England’s favour.
As clouds gathered over the "Home of Cricket," Robinson and Archer each added two more wickets. Archer removed Usman (1) and later bowled Mohammad Abbas (2) clean‑bowled.
Brook caught Khurram Shazad (1) off a slip edge from Robinson, after Azan had earlier been dismissed by an Atkinson delivery. In England’s second innings, the start was shaky. Duckett mishit a drive that resulted in a catch at mid‑off, while Cox fell lbw to a Pakistani bowler. The captain, Joe Root, was also dismissed for 24 after a delivery that mirrored the one that had dismissed Brook in the previous innings, catching the front pad.
Despite the early setbacks, England’s lead remained imposing, putting pressure on the Pakistan chase. Brook overturned an lbw call on his first ball after a review, while Gay displayed resilience, scoring 30 runs from 69 balls with six fours before play was halted again due to poor light.
The day ended with England holding a massive advantage, and the match set to continue on Saturday with the third day of the Test. Viewers can follow the action live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10:15 am, with streaming options available for those without a Sky subscription. The contest highlights the potency of England’s pace battery, the strategic acumen of their captain, and the challenges Pakistan faces on English conditions, promising an exciting climax to the series.