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) at the crease, setting a solid platform before the fast‑bowling onslaught began. The lower order contributed early, pushing England to a first‑innings total of 290 thanks to a 47‑run partnership.
When the hosts’ pace quartet – Robinson, Archer, Tongue and Atkinson – returned to the field, they dismantled Pakistan for just 110 runs in 37.2 overs. Their relentless spell before lunch was a masterclass in aggression and accuracy, though they missed a few chances as Pakistan were 16‑2 at the tea interval.
Robinson, who had already taken seven wickets at Lord's against New Zealand in June, was the standout bowler, finishing with figures of 4‑11. Archer, showcasing his trademark raw speed, claimed 3‑26, while Tongue also made his mark, dismissing both Abdullah Shafique (5) and captain Babar Azam (8) around the lunch break. Azan Awais proved the most resilient for the visitors, top‑scoring with 46 off 102 balls before being caught at mid‑on by Emilio Gay off a bouncing delivery from Robinson. After tea England lost wickets quickly – Ben Duckett (1), Jordan Cox (11) and Joe Root (24) fell within 17 overs – and play was called off at 6.50 pm due to fading light with England 81‑3 at the close.
Gay (30 not out) and Harry Brook (7 not out) were set to resume on Saturday morning. On Friday morning Pakistan struggled to break the opening partnership of Tongue and Atkinson, a lapse that proved costly. Atkinson, taking the strike, hammered Ali Usman for four, only to be caught on the next ball.
Tongue, meanwhile, displayed confident batting, sweeping four boundaries and exploiting a gap between third slip and gully, adding 42 runs in a partnership that shifted momentum firmly in England’s favour. Pre‑match expectations held that England’s seamers would thrive on the Lord’s surface, but they exceeded them, delivering an hour‑long barrage of incisive bowling before lunch. It took four overs for the first wicket, when Archer’s searing delivery induced an edge from Shan Masood (1) that was caught behind by Smith.
Smith, who had top‑scored with 61 the previous day, returned to the action shortly after, only to be edged by Tongue to Shafique, leaving Pakistan 2‑16 after 14.1 overs. After the interval England maintained intensity. Tongue claimed the prized wicket of captain Babar Azam, while Robinson once again worked his magic, dismissing Saud Shakeel (16) lbw after a review. Robinson also had the decisive hand in overturning a decision against Mohammad Rizwan (7), trapping him lbw after a brief rain interruption.
As clouds gathered over the "Home of Cricket," Robinson and Archer each added two more wickets. Archer removed Usman (1) and later Mohammad Abbas (2) with a sharp delivery, while Brook edged a slip catch off Robinson to dismiss Khurram Shazad (1). Imam‑ul‑Haq could not bat due to a calf injury, further weakening Pakistan’s chase. England’s second innings began poorly.
Duckett mishit a drive that led to a catch by Babar at mid‑off, and Cox fell lbw to a Pakistan bowler. The captain, Joe Root, was also dismissed for 24, caught by a delivery reminiscent of the one that had previously dismissed Brook. Despite the early setbacks, England’s lead remained substantial, putting additional pressure on the lower order. Harry Brook, after a review‑induced overturn of an lbw call on his first ball, steadied the innings.
Emilio Gay, battling the spin of Abbas and the pace of Ali, compiled a gritty 30 off 69 balls, featuring six fours before play was again suspended because of insufficient light. Looking ahead, day three promises further drama as England seeks to consolidate its lead while Pakistan aims to claw back a respectable total.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15 am on Saturday, with streaming options available for those without a Sky subscription. The contest remains a vivid illustration of England’s potent pace attack and the resilience required from Pakistan to overcome a steep deficit at the iconic Lord’s venue.