England strengthened their position in the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s after a dominant second day with both bat and ball. The hosts had finished the opening day on 248/9 after Pakistan’s bowlers made regular breakthroughs, but Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue returned on Friday to add valuable runs to the overnight total.

Their 47-run final-wicket partnership took England to 290 before the hosts unleashed their pace attack. Pakistan struggled throughout their innings and were dismissed for only 110, giving England a significant 180-run lead. England then made a brisk start to their second innings before losing three wickets, but bad light eventually brought play to an end with the hosts firmly in control.

Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer tear through Pakistan

Pakistan’s innings got off to a difficult start as Jofra Archer immediately tested the batters with his express pace and steep bounce. Shan Masood, opening in place of the injured Imam-ul-Haq, was the first to fall after edging Archer behind. Abdullah Shafique was also repeatedly troubled by Archer before Tongue eventually dismissed him, while Babar Azam’s return to the side lasted only briefly as he fell for eight.

Then Ollie Robinson dismissed Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan lbw before later removing Azan Awais for 46. Awais had offered the most resistance for Pakistan, facing 106 deliveries during his determined stay at the crease. Robinson also dismissed Khurrum Shahzad in the same over to finish with remarkable figures of 4/11 from 13 overs, including six maidens. Archer eventually claimed his third wicket by removing Mohammad Abbas, bowling Pakistan out for 110 in just 37.2 overs.

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England extend their advantage before bad light

England began their second innings with an opportunity to build an even bigger advantage, although Ben Duckett’s early dismissal gave Pakistan some encouragement. Jordan Cox, who had scored 55 in the first innings, briefly looked positive before Shahzad trapped him lbw. Joe Root joined Emilio Gay and the pair put together a useful 47-run partnership. Gay remained composed and reached 30, but Root’s stay was once again ended by an lbw dismissal.

Mohammad Ali struck him with a nip-backer, and Root’s review failed to overturn the decision. Harry Brook then joined Gay at the crease as England looked to extend their already substantial lead. However, bad light interrupted proceedings just before 6.45pm, ending the day’s play with England on 81/3. Gay remained unbeaten on 30, with Brook not out on seven. England therefore lead by 261 runs, putting them in a commanding position heading into Day 3.

Complete command at Lord’s! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🔥

England lead by 261 runs at Stumps on Day 2 🏏#ENGvPAK #Cricket pic.twitter.com/erwq2Wn6d9

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 29, 2026

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