On the second day of the Lord's Test, England surged ahead of Pakistan by a massive 261 runs, thanks largely to the devastating spell of fast bowlers Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer. The pair ripped through the Pakistani batting line‑up, delivering a performance that will be remembered for its intensity and precision.
The day began with England’s lower order already at the crease, Josh Tongue (30 not out) and Gus Atkinson (45) providing a solid foundation after the top order had set a modest first‑innings total of 290. Their partnership of 47 runs gave England a respectable lead before the hosts' pace attack returned to the field to dismantle Pakistan’s reply. Robinson, Archer, Tongue and Atkinson formed a four‑man fast brigade that roared through the Pakistani innings with relentless aggression.
In the first hour before lunch they produced a spell that was both relentless and highly effective, though a few missed chances meant Pakistan managed to reach 110 for the loss of just two wickets at the tea interval. Robinson, who had previously claimed seven wickets at Lord's against New Zealand in June, emerged as the standout bowler, finishing with figures of four wickets for just eleven runs. Archer, renowned for his raw pace, added three wickets for 26 runs, while Tongue contributed by dismissing both Abdullah Shafique (caught for five) and captain Babar Azam (caught for eight) on either side of the lunch break. Pakistan’s top scorer, Azan Awais, proved a stubborn obstacle, compiling 46 runs off 102 balls before being caught at mid‑on by Emilio Gay off a sharp Robinson bouncer.
After tea, England’s batting faltered quickly; Ben Duckett (1), Jordan Cox (11) and Joe Root (24) all fell within 17 overs, leaving England at 81 for three at stumps. Gay (30 not out) and Harry Brook (7 not out) were left unbeaten, set to resume on Saturday morning. Friday morning saw Pakistan struggle to break the opening partnership of Tongue and Atkinson, a lapse that proved costly. Atkinson, taking the strike, hammered Ali Usman for four before being caught at long‑off on the next ball.
Tongue, meanwhile, displayed aggressive intent, sweeping four boundaries and exploiting a gap between the third slip and gully, prompting questions about Pakistan’s field placement. The English bowlers continued to dominate, delivering an hour‑long barrage before lunch that exceeded expectations. It took four overs for England to claim their first wicket, with Archer sending a searing delivery that induced an edge from Shan Masood, caught behind by Smith.
Shortly after, Tongue dismissed Shafique, leaving Pakistan 2‑16 after 14.1 overs. The momentum persisted after the break; Tongue soon removed captain Babar Azam, and Robinson claimed Saud Shakeel (16) lbw after a review. Robinson’s spell also saw the dismissal of Mohammad Rizwan (7) lbw, a decision that England successfully overturned after a brief rain interruption. As clouds gathered over the "Home of Cricket," both Robinson and Archer each took two more wickets.
Archer dismissed Ali Usman (1) and later Mohammad Abbas (2) with a delivery that rattled the stumps. Brook contributed by edging Khurram Shazad (1) in the slips off a Robinson delivery, after Azan had earlier been bowled by Atkinson.
In England’s second innings, the top order stumbled. Duckett mishit a drive that led to a catch at mid‑off, while Cox was bowled lbw by a Pakistani bowler. Captain Root fell for 24 after a delivery that mirrored the one that had previously dismissed Brook, striking his front pad and resulting in an lbw decision. Despite the setback, England retained a commanding lead, placing pressure on Pakistan’s lower order.
Brook overturned an lbw call after a review on his very first ball, while Gay continued to impress, countering the attacks of Abbas and Ali to reach 30 runs from 69 balls, including six fours, before play was halted due to insufficient light. The day ended with England in a strong position, holding a lead that would force Pakistan to chase a daunting target. The match is set to resume on Saturday, with the third day slated to begin at 10:15 am on Sky Sports Cricket.
Viewers without a Sky subscription can explore the latest streaming deals or consider a no‑contract option to catch the action live. Overall, Robinson’s precision and Archer’s sheer pace have been the catalysts behind England’s dominance, turning the Lord’s pitch into a fortress for the hosts. Their combined efforts, supported by the contributions of Tongue and Atkinson, have not only dismantled Pakistan’s batting order but also set the stage for what promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series.