England strengthened their grip on the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s on Friday, ending the second day with a commanding 261-run lead after bowling the visitors out for just 110 and reaching 81/3 in their second innings.

Resuming on 248/9, England added 42 runs in the morning session to reach 290 all out. Gus Atkinson completed a valuable 45, while Josh Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 as the pair added 47 for the final wicket. Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas finished with four wickets, while Mohammad Ali claimed three.

Pakistan’s reply quickly unravelled against a disciplined England pace attack. Azan Awais provided the only substantial resistance, scoring 46 from 102 balls, but wickets fell regularly around him. Imam-ul-Haq was unavailable to bat after suffering a calf strain while fielding, further weakening Pakistan’s top order.

Ollie Robinson was the chief destroyer with 4 wickets, while Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue also struck consistently as Pakistan were dismissed for only 110 in 37.2 overs. England consequently secured a first-innings advantage of 180 runs.

England’s second innings began shakily. Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox and captain Joe Root all departed cheaply, leaving the hosts 60/3. Root’s dismissal continued his recent struggles against Pakistan, with the England captain again falling lbw.

However, Emilio Gay held firm on 30 not out, while Harry Brook was unbeaten on seven as England reached 81/3 after 22 overs. Bad light brought an early end to proceedings, with England firmly in command and Pakistan facing a daunting task on day three.

Brief Scores: England 290 (Abbas 4-73) and 81 for 3 (Gay 30*, Shahzad 2-26) lead Pakistan 110 (Awais 46, Robinson 4-11, Archer 3-26) by 261 runs

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