England’s seamers put Pakistan on the brink in second Test at Lord’s

England took firm control of the second Test as their seamers bowled Pakistan out for 110 before a late wobble left the hosts 81-3 at stumps on day two at Lord’s.

The tourists, who resumed the morning hoping to remain competitive, were dismissed for 180 fewer than England’s first-innings total of 290. England’s final-wicket pair of Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue added 47 valuable runs to the overnight score of 248-9 before the attack dismantled Pakistan’s batting order in only 37.2 overs.

Atkinson scored 45 from 46 balls before he was dismissed by Ali Usman, while Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 to complete an important last-wicket stand.

England’s seamers then exploited the conditions with precision and pace. Robinson claimed 4-11 from 13 overs, including six maidens, while Jofra Archer took 3-26 and repeatedly exceeded 90mph, with his fastest deliveries reaching about 94mph.

Archer made the first breakthrough when Shan Masood, opening in place of the injured Imam-ul-Haq, edged behind. Tongue then removed Abdullah Shafique, who was caught by the wicketkeeper, before dismissing Babar Azam for eight.

Babar Azam had returned to Pakistan’s side after missing the first Test because of a hand injury, but his comeback lasted only briefly as Tongue continued to trouble the top order.

Robinson took over during the middle of the innings, trapping Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan lbw. Archer finally claimed his second wicket when Ali Usman chopped the ball on to his own stumps.

Azan Awais provided Pakistan’s only extended resistance, making 46 from 106 deliveries, but Robinson ended the stand of defiance by dismissing him with a bouncer. The seamer removed Khurrum Shahzad in the same over before Archer completed the innings by bowling Mohammad Abbas.

Extras were Pakistan’s second-highest contributor, highlighting the extent of their problems with both bat and ball. Their total of 110 was also comfortably below their highest score of the tour so far, which is 171.

England’s second innings began less smoothly. Ben Duckett was out for one and Jordan Cox followed for 11 after being trapped lbw, leaving the home side under early pressure despite their commanding lead.

Joe Root and Emilio Gay steadied England with a partnership worth 47, but Root departed for 24 after Mohammad Ali trapped him lbw. Harry Brook then survived a first-ball lbw decision against Ali when England successfully reviewed the dismissal.

Gay was unbeaten on 30 when poor light brought play to an early close, with England on 81-3. The hosts therefore ended the day 261 runs ahead overall, with Brook alongside Gay at the crease.

The result of the match already appears to be heavily tilted in England’s favour after Pakistan’s latest batting collapse. England will nevertheless have to contend with the weather as they attempt to force a series-clinching victory.

Poor conditions are forecast in London for Saturday, which could delay England’s push to finish the match and secure the series.