England were dismissed for 290 runs on the second morning of the Lord’s Test this Friday. Resuming the day at 248-9, the hosts added 47 runs through a resilient 10th-wicket partnership between Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson, who contributed 42 of those runs. Spinner Ali Usman eventually ended the resistance by dismissing Atkinson for 45, wrapping up the England innings in 66.4 overs.
Pakistan’s response began under difficult circumstances, as they were already missing Imam-ul-Haq due to a low-grade left calf strain sustained while fielding on Thursday. A team statement noted that his participation in the remainder of the match depends on his recovery following treatment. With Imam unavailable to bat, Shan Masood was promoted to the opening position but struggled, nicking a delivery behind to Jofra Archer for just 1 run.
Archer maintained a fierce pace throughout his five-over spell, hitting speeds of 94 mph and greeting Abdullah Shafique with a 92 mph bouncer that brushed the batter’s glove. Pakistan’s momentum suffered further in the final over before the lunch interval when Shafique, having managed 5 runs from 32 balls, edged a delivery from Tongue behind the stumps.
Novice opener Azan Awais remained at the crease on 8 not out from 44 balls, though his stay was marked by several close calls. He survived an England review before scoring his first run and successfully overturned an lbw decision on 7 when technology confirmed the ball struck his shoulder. Atkinson, who bowled the delivery, later saw a catch dropped by Harry Brook at second slip when Awais was on 8.
Awais, playing in his sixth Test, is attempting to find form after scores of 0 and 9 in the first Test at Leeds. Pakistan, which has yet to surpass 200 runs in any innings during this three-Test series, now faces a significant challenge to stay in the match after losing two wickets for just 16 runs by the break. The report also notes that pakistan was 16-2 after losing its most in-form batter, Abdullah Shafique, in the last scheduled over before the interval. The report also notes that tongue’s wicket followed his career-best batting score of 30 not out.
