England pacers rout Pakistan for 110, take 180-run lead at Lord’s

LONDON: Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 in their first innings on the second day of the second Test against England at Lord’s on Friday, conceding a 180-run first-innings lead to the hosts.

The collapse left England firmly in control after they resumed their first innings at 248-9 and were eventually dismissed for 290.

Pakistan’s innings lasted 48.4 overs, with opener Azan Awais top-scoring with 46, but there was little resistance from the rest of the batting line-up.

Awais was the only Pakistan batter to offer sustained resistance, while Saud Shakeel made 16, Babar Azam 8 and Mohammad Rizwan 7.

Abdullah Shafique scored five, while Mohammad Abbas, Ali Usman, Shan Masood and Khurram Shahzad contributed two, one, one and one respectively. Imam-ul-Haq did not bat because of a calf injury sustained while fielding on the opening day.

England’s pace attack then completed Pakistan’s collapse, with Ollie Robinson taking four wickets for 11 runs, Jofra Archer claiming three for 26 and Josh Tongue taking two wickets.

Earlier, England resumed on 248-9 and added 42 runs before being bowled out for 290. Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers with a stubborn 47-run partnership for the 10th wicket.

Atkinson, who was unbeaten on 34 overnight, made 45 from 46 balls before he was caught off Ali Usman, while Tongue remained unbeaten on 30. His innings surpassed his previous Test best and helped England push their total towards 300 after they had been in trouble at 36-3 on Thursday.

Pakistan had produced an impressive bowling display on the opening day, with Mohammad Abbas taking four wickets and Mohammad Ali claiming three as England struggled at 248-9 after 56 overs. The hosts, however, were able to extend their total beyond 280 through the last-wicket stand.

Pakistan’s reply began badly as England’s fast bowlers immediately exploited the conditions. Jofra Archer produced a hostile spell and removed Shan Masood, who edged a 91mph delivery to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Tongue then dismissed Abdullah Shafique shortly before lunch after Pakistan successfully reviewed the initial decision and technology confirmed an edge. Pakistan went into lunch at 16-2.

The pressure intensified after the interval as England’s seamers continued to make regular breakthroughs. Pakistan never managed to establish a meaningful partnership, eventually losing all 10 wickets for 110.

The result leaves England with a 180-run advantage and in a commanding position in the second Test. England had already won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs, giving them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

With Pakistan now facing a substantial deficit and England’s bowlers having dominated their first innings, the hosts will have a chance to strengthen their position further when they begin their second innings.