England Seize Commanding Position in Lord’s Test Against Pakistan

England ended the second day of the Lord’s Test against Pakistan in a strong position, thanks to a steady third-wicket stand between Emilio Gay and captain Joe Root. The hosts finished the second day with a 261-run lead, with 7 wickets still left.

England were 81/3 at the close of play, with left-handed opener Gay unbeaten on 30 and Harry Brook on seven. The pair stayed at the crease after England lost three early wickets.

England began their second innings with a 180-run lead after bowling Pakistan out for just 110. Ollie Robinson was the pick of the bowlers, taking four wickets as Pakistan failed to build on England’s first-innings total of 290.

England also had a difficult start with the bat, as they lost quick wickets in the first few overs. Pakistan fast bowler Khurram Shahzad struck twice in his opening two overs, removing Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox with only 13 runs on the scoreboard.

After England lost two quick wickets, captain Joe Root came out to join Gay at the crease. The two added 47 runs for the third wicket before Mohammad Ali dismissed Root. The England captain scored 24 runs from 37 balls, hitting three fours before returning to the pavilion.

Gay then teamed up with Brook, and the two made sure England did not lose any more wickets before the close of play. For Pakistan, Shahzad has taken two wickets in England’s second innings, while Ali has picked up one.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan struggled to add many runs and were eventually dismissed for 110 in just 37 overs. The innings of the green shirts got off to a poor start when Masood was dismissed in the fourth over, leaving the visitors with only five runs.

Azan Awais came in next and shared a short stand with Abdullah Shafique. Their partnership produced 11 runs before Josh Tongue removed Shafique, who was caught behind off the first ball of the 15th over. That wicket left Pakistan in trouble at 16/2, and the umpires then brought the session to an end.

Awais was then left to fight on his own for much of the innings. The young opener made 46 from 102 balls and struck seven fours, finishing as Pakistan’s highest scorer. Saud Shakeel was the only other batter to score more than 10, making 16 from 16 balls.

Meanwhile, England’s bowlers kept Pakistan under pressure throughout the innings, due to which they were bowled out for just 110 runs.