England Bowled Out for 290 in Lord’s Second Test

Pakistan vs England – (Staff Reporter/Web Desk) – England bowled out for 290 in Lord’s second Test on Friday, as Pakistan’s pace attack made quick work of the hosts’ remaining batters on day two. The tourists needed just over ten overs to close out the innings after resuming at 248 for nine.

Gus Atkinson was the last man standing for England. He top-scored with a brisk 45 off 46 balls, hitting six boundaries along the way. His partner Josh Tongue stayed unbeaten on 30, adding useful runs lower down the order.

Together, the pair put on 47 runs for the final wicket. It was a stubborn stand that pushed England past 280 and gave the innings a more respectable shape after a tough start to the morning.

Pakistan’s bowlers, however, kept chipping away throughout. Mohammad Abbas was the standout performer, finishing with figures of four wickets for 73 runs off 20 tireless overs. His control and consistency troubled the England batters all through the innings.

Mohammad Ali picked up three wickets to back up Abbas at the other end. Khurram Shahzad and Ali Usman also chipped in with one wicket apiece, sharing the workload across Pakistan’s pace unit.

Earlier in the innings, England’s middle order had shown some fight. Jamie Smith scored a well-made 61, while Jordan Cox added 55 runs. Their partnership helped steady things after Pakistan’s bowlers had made early inroads.

Day one itself belonged largely to Pakistan, despite the weather playing spoilsport. Only 56 overs were possible after rain delayed the toss and start of play. Poor light later forced an early finish, cutting the day short by close to an hour.

At the close of day one, England were struggling at 248 for nine. Atkinson was unbeaten on 34 at that point, with Tongue yet to get going on just one run.

The final session of day one was especially difficult for the home side. Pakistan’s pace trio of Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas restricted England to only 68 runs while taking four wickets in that 12-over burst.

There was also some concerning news for Pakistan off the field. Opener Imam-ul-Haq is now a doubt for the rest of the match after suffering a low-grade calf strain. His fitness will be closely watched as the Test moves forward.

Pakistan had opened their campaign at Lord’s with Shan Masood, the former captain, alongside Azan Awais. Both openers will now be under extra scrutiny given the uncertainty surrounding Imam-ul-Haq’s fitness for the remainder of the game.

With England all out for 290, attention now turns to how Pakistan’s batters respond. The tourists will be hoping their bowlers’ hard work translates into a strong position when they walk out to bat.