England in commanding position against Pakistan in second Test

Further details have emerged from the rain-hit third day of the second Test at Lord’s, where England established a near-unassailable position. While Dan Lawrence’s unbeaten 50 was the highlight, Pakistan bowler Muhammad Abbas added three wickets to his tally, taking his match haul to seven. Abbas dismissed Emilio Gay, Harry Brook (34), and Jamie Smith (7).

It has also been confirmed that Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq will be unable to bat in the second innings. He did not take the field on day three due to a calf injury, compounding Pakistan's difficulties.

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq is facing criticism over an injury sustained during the Lord's Test, with former chief selector Mohammad Wasim accusing the player of feigning the issue.

Imam complained of calf pain, but a subsequent scan by the PCB reportedly revealed only a minor strain. Wasim claimed this was 'drama' that has occurred before.

The opener has been criticised in cricket circles for his reluctance to bat with the minor injury and for consistently allowing debutant Azan Awais to face the first ball. Critics have also pointed to Imam's poor recent form in the second innings of Test matches and dropped catches in the slips.

Play on the third day of the second Test at Lord's was severely curtailed by rain, with only 24 overs possible.

In the limited time available, England extended their second-innings score to 177 for 7, establishing an overall lead of 357 runs over Pakistan.

Mohammad Abbas was the most successful of the Pakistani bowlers, taking three wickets, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad claimed two each. For England, Dan Lawrence remained unbeaten on 50, with Harry Brook contributing 34 before being dismissed.

Young Pakistan opener Azan Awais, who top-scored with 46 in the first innings, described facing Jofra Archer's fast bowling as a significant and memorable experience.

Speaking after the second day's play, the 21-year-old said he had never faced bowling at such high speeds, with some deliveries reaching 145 km/h. He believes the innings will be crucial for his development.

Awais, who is from Sialkot, had a moment of fortune during his three-hour stay at the crease. He was dropped on 8 runs by Harry Brook at second slip off the bowling of Gus Atkinson.

The left-hander made his Test debut against Bangladesh in May, scoring a century in his first innings.

Speaking to reporters about the team's performance, Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed elaborated on his stance, stating that while players like Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha are currently not scoring runs, he stands by them. He added that any decisions about the squad composition would be made after the series concludes. Ahmed also stressed the need for players to return to first-class cricket to work on their flaws, while reiterating that he accepts full responsibility for the team's performance and would not blame individuals.

Rain delayed the start of play on the third day of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord’s on Saturday. No play was possible before the lunch break. At the time of the delay, umpires had planned an inspection for the afternoon, weather permitting.

Following the day's play, Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed addressed the team's poor batting performance in a press conference. He stated that he would not blame the players during this difficult time and would stand by them. "This is our team and Pakistan's best players are part of it," he said, while acknowledging that key players were not scoring runs.

Sarfaraz Ahmed confirmed that any decisions regarding team selection would be made after the series. He urged the players to work on their flaws, potentially by returning to first-class cricket, to meet international standards. He reiterated that as head coach, he accepts full responsibility for the team's results.

Pakistan's batting lineup was dismantled by England's pace attack on day two, with the visitors bowled out for 110 in just 37.2 overs. The collapse was compounded by an injury to opener Imam-ul-Haq, who was unable to bat.

Ollie Robinson was the most effective bowler for England, finishing with figures of 4 for 11 from 13 overs. He was supported by Jofra Archer, who claimed three wickets, and Josh Tongue with two.

Earlier, England's first innings closed at 290, thanks to a crucial 47-run last-wicket partnership between Gus Atkinson (45) and Tongue (30 not out). For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas was the leading bowler with four for 73.

In England's second innings, Khurram Shahzad removed Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox early before Mohammad Ali dismissed captain Joe Root for 24.

Pakistan cricket team's Head Coach, Sarfaraz Ahmed, has stated that he will take responsibility for the team's performance if they fail to produce results. Speaking at a press conference in London following a difficult day for Pakistan in the second Test, Ahmed praised England's "terrific bowling attack" and commended the batting of rookie Azan Awais.

He added that decisions regarding player selection would be made after the series concludes.

Pakistan were bowled out for just 110 in their first innings on day two of the second Test, conceding a 180-run lead to England at Lord’s on Friday. Resuming after lunch on 16-2, Pakistan's batting lineup collapsed, with only rookie Azan Awais offering significant resistance with a top score of 46. For England, Ollie Robinson claimed four wickets and Jofra Archer took three.

In their second innings, England reached 81-3 before bad light stopped play early. The hosts now hold a commanding overall lead of 261 runs, with Emilio Gay (30 not out) and Harry Brook (7 not out) at the crease. For Pakistan, Khurram Shahzad has taken two wickets and Mohammad Ali one.

Pakistan’s reply to England’s first-innings 290 got off to a poor start, with the tourists reaching 16-2 by lunch on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s.

England's bowlers quickly made inroads. Jofra Archer struck first, having stand-in opener Shan Masood caught behind for one. Josh Tongue, who had earlier contributed with the bat, then dismissed Abdullah Shafique for five just before the interval, also caught behind.

Azan Awais survived a dropped catch and a reviewed appeal to remain at the crease. At the lunch break, Pakistan trailed England by 274 runs.

England were dismissed for 290 in their first innings on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s on Friday, after a frustrating last-wicket partnership for Pakistan. Resuming at 248-9, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue added 47 runs for the tenth wicket.

Atkinson was the last man out for 45, while Tongue remained unbeaten on a Test-best 30. Left-arm spinner Ali Usman eventually broke the stand. Mohammad Abbas finished as the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4-73.

Pakistan began their reply with Shan Masood opening alongside Azan Awais, as Imam-ul-Haq remained off the field with a calf strain.

Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq is a doubt for the remainder of the second Test against England after suffering a calf strain.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Friday that the player sustained the injury on the first day of the match at Lord's.

A scan has revealed a low-grade strain, and the PCB's medical team is monitoring his condition. A decision on his further participation will depend on his recovery.

Further details have emerged regarding the key dismissal of England's Jordan Cox on day one of the second Test. The batsman, who scored 55, was caught out by a spectacular diving catch from substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha in the 48th over, off the bowling of Khurram Shahzad.

Further details from the day's play revealed that a mix-up between the wickets led to Dan Lawrence being run out for 17. Later, Jordan Cox's innings of 55 was ended by a spectacular one-handed catch from substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha at second slip. Mohammad Ali then dismissed Ollie Robinson for a duck, before Mohammad Abbas claimed the day's final wicket, removing Jofra Archer for 14. Abbas finished with figures of 4-56, while Ali took 3-67.

Play on the first day of the second Test was brought to an early close due to bad light, with England finishing on 248-9. After the lunch break, England mounted a recovery led by half-centuries from Jordan Cox (55) and Jamie Smith (61).

For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas increased his wicket tally to four, while Mohammad Ali finished the day with three. Khurram Shahzad also claimed one wicket. At stumps, Gus Atkinson was not out on 34, with Josh Tongue on one. The pair will resume England's innings on day two.

Pakistan's bowlers dominated the first session of the second Test at Lord's on Thursday, reducing England to 80-4 at lunch on the opening day.

After a start delayed by rain, veteran seamer Mohammad Abbas did the bulk of the damage, taking three wickets for 34 runs. Abbas first had Emilio Gay caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan for an excellent diving catch. He then trapped Ben Duckett (17) lbw on review before claiming the prize scalp of England captain Joe Root for just four.

Mohammad Ali also chipped in with a wicket, bowling Harry Brook for 15. At the lunch interval, Jordan Cox was not out on 27.