Abbas four-for leads Pakistan fightback as England stumble to 248 for 9

Cox and Smith provided resistance, but Pakistan’s pace attack kept England under pressure throughout

After bearing the brunt of intense criticism, Pakistan’s pace attack finally rediscovered its bite, reducing England to 248 for 9 in the first innings of the second Test at Lord’s, with Mohammad Abbas leading the charge with a four-wicket haul and Mohammad Ali providing excellent support with three wickets

The match started more than an hour late due to rain, and the visitors were fortunate in the overcast conditions, as captain Babar Azam won the toss and wasted no time opting to field.

Pakistan made one change to the side that suffered a heavy innings defeat in the first Test, with Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan at Headingley in Babar Azam’s absence, dropping out of the XI, while England retained the same winning combination.

Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali share seven wickets as Pakistan make an impact on Day One 🎯

A couple of sharp moments in the field add to Pakistan's effort as England are 248-9 at stumps 🏏#ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/4Qx36C6772

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 27, 2026

The grassy pitch and overcast conditions offered the fast bowlers an ideal opportunity to make an impact, and Pakistan’s pacers seized it with both hands. Mohammad Abbas, who has considerable experience of English conditions from his years of county cricket, made his experience count by removing both England openers with the score on 26.

Emilio Gay was the first to depart after scoring eight runs, with wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan taking an excellent diving catch to his right. Ben Duckett was dismissed for 17, being given out leg before wicket. When the umpire turned down a strong appeal, Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision and had it overturned.

Harry Brook ❌
Jamie Smith ❌
Ollie Robinson ❌

Mohammad Ali wrecked the stumps thrice today 🎯#ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/pDOXWdee1Y

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 27, 2026

Seasoned batter Joe Root survived an early scare when Imam-ul-Haq could not hold on to a chance at slip, before another escape came when Pakistan’s unsuccessful lbw appeal was turned down. But Root could not make the most of his reprieves, as Abbas trapped him plumb in front, with the umpire immediately raising his finger. Root did not consider a review and walked back for just four.

Jordan Cox and captain Harry Brook set about rebuilding England’s innings, taking the score to 77 as they looked to weather the first session without further damage. But just as they appeared to be settling in, Mohammad Ali broke their 41-run stand, beating Brook with a superb inswinger that crashed into his stumps. Brook departed for 15, leaving England 80 for four at lunch.

Pakistan's Muhammad Rizwan catches the ball to take the wicket of England's Emilio Gay. Photo: Reuters

Cox remained resolute at the crease and brought up his half-century with two consecutive boundaries off Mohammad Ali, while Dan Lawrence was handed a reprieve on 10 when Shan Masood could not hold on to a chance at midwicket off Khurram Shahzad. However, the drop did not cost Pakistan much, as a mix-up in the middle saw Lawrence run out for 17, with Mohammad Rizwan completing the dismissal to leave England five down for 120.

Just as Pakistan appeared to be gaining control, Cox and Jamie Smith set about rebuilding the innings and took England to tea without further damage, with the hosts reaching 180 for five at the end of the second session.

Pakistan’s bowlers and fielders, however, continued to offer England opportunities, with the visitors putting down several chances while Shahzad and Ali struggled with their discipline, sending down five no-balls each. Smith was given a lifeline on 19 when Rizwan dropped a chance off Ali.

𝐒𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐘 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 🔥

You won't see many better catches than this 👏#ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/F7hlRq37rG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 27, 2026

The 67-run partnership between Cox and Smith was eventually broken by Shahzad, with substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha taking an outstanding catch at second slip. Cox departed for 55 off 105 balls, having struck seven fours.

Atkinson brought up England’s 200 in the fifth ball of the 49th over, hitting Ali for a boundary. Smith then accelerated to a brisk 61 off 80 balls, including 10 fours, before Ali bowled him. One ball later, the pacer shattered Ollie Robinson’s stumps for a duck.

9️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ first-class wickets for Mohammad Abbas! 🙌

Both England openers fall as Abbas reaches a remarkable milestone 🎯#ENGvPAK | #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/IyKQ6vxVYR

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) August 27, 2026

Jofra Archer was then bowled by Abbas for 14, and when bad light brought an early end to play, England had reached 248 for nine, with Atkinson unbeaten on 34 and Josh Tongue not out on one.

Abbas finished with four for 56, while Ali claimed three for 67.

England lead the three-match Test series 1-0.