LONDON: Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Abbas produced a brilliant opening spell, taking three wickets as England slipped to 80-4 at lunch on the first day of the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday.
Abbas claimed three wickets for just four runs in a devastating 16-ball spell. His biggest breakthrough came when he dismissed England captain Joe Root for only four runs.
England reached 80-4 by lunch after Pakistan made a strong start with the ball. Abbas finished the morning session with figures of 3-34 from eight overs.
Abbas quickly found his rhythm at Lord’s. The experienced seamer has plenty of knowledge of English conditions after playing for several county teams.
His first wicket came when Emilio Gay edged a leg-side delivery. Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan completed an excellent one-handed catch.
Abbas then removed Ben Duckett for 17. The left-handed opener was given out leg before wicket after Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision.
Joe Root survived an earlier chance when Mohammad Ali could not hold a catch in the slips. Pakistan’s fielding had been a major concern during the first Test at Headingley.
However, Abbas soon made the breakthrough Pakistan needed. He trapped Root lbw for four, with Rizwan standing close to the stumps.
Root decided not to review the decision.
England briefly recovered through Jordan Cox and Harry Brook. The pair slowed Pakistan’s progress after the early loss of wickets.
Pakistan then struck again before lunch. Mohammad Ali bowled Brook for 15 with a delivery that moved sharply back into the batter.
The wicket left England struggling at 80-4.
Pakistan had suffered a heavy 103-run defeat in the first Test at Headingley. The visitors were criticised for poor performances across all three departments.
The second Test has started differently, however, with Pakistan’s bowlers making excellent use of the conditions at Lord’s.
Babar Azam Returns for Pakistan
Pakistan captain Babar Azam returned to the playing XI after missing the opening Test because of a finger injury.
Babar won the toss and chose to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch under cloudy skies. The conditions appeared ideal for Pakistan’s fast bowlers.
Pakistan made only one change from the first Test, with Babar replacing the player who featured in his absence.
England remained unchanged after their victory at Headingley.
England lead the three-match Test series 1-0 and are looking for their first Test series victory since beating New Zealand in 2024.
A victory at Lord’s would give England a chance to secure the series before the final Test.
Abbas Has Strong Record at Lord’s
Mohammad Abbas has previously enjoyed success at the famous London ground.
He was named Player of the Match during Pakistan’s nine-wicket victory over England at Lord’s in 2018. Abbas claimed eight wickets in that match.
His latest performance has once again demonstrated his ability to exploit English conditions.
Pakistan will hope Abbas and the rest of the bowling attack can continue their pressure after lunch and restrict England to a modest first-innings total.
Pakistan Playing XI
Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (captain), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.
England Playing XI
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.
