England survived a fierce Pakistan pace assault to finish the rain-hit opening day of the second Test at 248-9 at Lord’s on Thursday.
Only 56 overs were possible after rain delayed the start and bad light brought an early close. England’s top order struggled against Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali, leaving Pakistan in control after a difficult day for Joe Root’s side.
Abbas led the attack with four wickets, while Ali claimed three and Khurram Shahzad took one.
England lost their openers cheaply after winning the toss. Emilio Gay made eight before Abbas had him caught behind, while Ben Duckett fell for 17 after the Pakistan seamer trapped him lbw.
Root lasted only four runs. Abbas struck again, trapping the former England captain lbw.
Harry Brook also failed to settle. Ali bowled him for 15 shortly before lunch, leaving England in serious trouble at 80-4.
Dan Lawrence then fell to a run-out after the interval, leaving England five wickets down with little room for error.
Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith finally gave England some stability. The pair added 67 for the sixth wicket, with Cox reaching his fifty from 88 balls and Smith completing his half-century from 63 deliveries.
Cox eventually fell for 55 from 105 balls, with seven fours. Khurram Shahzad ended the partnership after substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha produced an excellent catch.
Ali then struck twice in the same over. He bowled Smith for 61 from 80 balls, with 10 fours, before removing Ollie Robinson.
Abbas returned to dismiss Jofra Archer and complete his four-wicket haul.
Pakistan could have inflicted even more damage, with their fielders putting down three other chances. Salman, who missed out on the starting XI following Babar Azam’s return as captain, made up for it with his sharp catch at slip.
Gus Atkinson remained unbeaten on 34 from 27 balls when bad light ended play, with Josh Tongue on one.
England will resume on 248-9, hoping to push their total towards a competitive first-innings score after a day dominated by Pakistan’s quicks.
