ENG vs PAK 2nd Test Day 2: Tongue Strikes As Babar Azam Out for 8

LORD'S: The ENG vs PAK 2nd Test Day 2 delivered a drama as England's bowlers roared back into the contest. After Pakistan's disciplined attack wrapped up the English 1st innings for 290 runs early in the morning, the pressure shifted entirely to the Pakistani batting lineup under overcast skies.

The critical phase of play unfolded during Session 2, where England's pacers, spearheaded by a roaring Josh Tongue and Archer, ruthlessly exploited the swinging conditions. Pakistan’s reply stumbled immediately with the early dismissals of Shan Masood (1) and Abdullah Shafique (5). 

However, the defining moment of the afternoon focused squarely on Pakistan's returning captain, Babar Azam. Coming into the crease at a precarious 16/2 just after lunch, Babar looked determined to steady the ship. He countered the initial hostility with elegant composure, picking up two boundaries to reach 8 runs off 10 deliveries. 

Every eye in the stadium remained glued to the master batter, but his resistance was short-lived. In a roaring moment that blew the game wide open, the English seamers setup the ultimate trap. With the ball heavily nipping off the seam, Babar played a defensive stroke, only to find a sharp edge that carried straight to the fieldsmen. 

The definitive blow echoed across Lord’s, Babar out, leaving Pakistan’s top-order heavily dismantled at 30/3. The dismissal completely shifted the momentum of Session 2 back to the hosts. 

With the opening batter Imam-ul-Haq also sidelined due to a low-grade left calf strain, the visitors have found themselves in extreme trouble. 

Azan Awais remains fighting a lone battle with a gritty 22 runs off 61 balls alongside Saud Shakeel (16 off 15 balls). At the current match condition, Pakistan trails England by 231 runs. England clearly holds the upper hand on Day 2, and Pakistan’s middle order faces a massive mountain to climb to stay alive in this Test match.

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