Chasing England’s first-innings total of 290, Pakistan’s top order folded under sustained pressure from the England seamers. Ollie Robinson was the pick of the bowlers, returning outstanding figures of 4 for 11 in 13 overs, six of them maidens, while Jofra Archer chipped in with 3 for 26. Josh Tongue picked up two more wickets as Pakistan were bowled out in just 37.2 overs.
Only two Pakistani batsmen managed to reach double figures. Opening batter Azan Awais top-scored with a fighting 46 off 102 balls before he was dismissed top-edging a pull shot, while Saud Shakeel made 16. The rest of the line-up struggled badly: captain Babar Azam, returning from a finger injury that had ruled him out of the series opener, could only manage 8, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan fell for 7. Shan Masood, drafted in at the top of the order after regular opener Imam-ul-Haq was ruled out with a calf strain picked up while fielding, was out for just 1.
Babar Azam. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Pakistan’s innings collapse came a day after England had themselves been in trouble, slipping to 248 for 9 in rain-interrupted conditions on the opening day. A last-wicket stand between Josh Tongue, who made an unbeaten 30 batting at number 11, and Gus Atkinson, who struck 45 off 46 balls including six boundaries, hauled England up to 290. Half-centuries from Jamie Smith (61) and Jordan Cox (55) had earlier given the innings a solid platform before the middle order wobbled.
With the ball, Pakistan’s attack had its own bright spots. Mohammad Abbas was the most economical and threatening bowler, finishing with 4 wickets, while Mohammad Ali picked up 3. But the damage inflicted by their batting collapse left the tourists staring at a mountain to climb.
Ollie Robinson. Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The result piles further pressure on Pakistan, who arrived at Lord’s already 0-1 down in the three-match series after a heavy innings-and-103-run defeat in the series opener at Headingley. A second successive defeat would hand England an unassailable 2-0 lead with one Test to play, and confirm a first home series win over Pakistan in some years for Joe Root’s side.
Play resumes on day three with England well placed to extend their advantage and set Pakistan a testing target on a pitch that has already offered plenty for the fast bowlers. For Pakistan, the focus will be on a disciplined bowling effort to restrict England’s second innings and give their own top order a more realistic total to chase than the one they managed first time around.
The Pakistan tour of England continues to be a stern examination of the tourists’ batting depth away from home, and the coaching staff will be looking for a marked improvement in application when Pakistan bat again. For now, though, Lord’s belongs firmly to England.
Pakistan could receive a major boost ahead of the second Test against England, with captain Babar Azam progressing well in his recovery from a finger injury and pushing for a return at Lord’s on August 27.
Babar missed Pakistan’s heavy defeat in the opening Test at Headingley after aggravating an existing finger problem during a warm-up match in England.
The latest signs, however, are encouraging.
Pakistan bowling coach Umar Gul confirmed that Babar completed a full batting session at Lord’s, facing fast bowlers, spinners and throwdowns ahead of the crucial second Test.
Babar Azam Injury: What Happened?
Babar had initially suffered a finger problem during Pakistan’s recent Test series against the West Indies.
His recovery was disrupted when he was struck on the right hand during Pakistan’s three-day warm-up match in Kent on August 14.
The Pakistan Cricket Board said at the time that Babar was assessed by the team doctor and rested from the remainder of the practice match as a precaution.
Despite returning to training ahead of the first England Test, Babar was ultimately left out at Headingley, with Salman Ali Agha taking over as stand-in captain.
That decision meant Pakistan were without both Babar’s leadership and one of their most experienced batters for the series opener.
Babar Completes Full Batting Session at Lord’s
Pakistan’s latest training session has increased expectations that Babar could return to the playing XI.
Umar Gul said the Pakistan captain faced different types of bowling and appeared comfortable during the session.
ICC reported that Babar was in line to return for the second Test, while Reuters reported that Pakistan remained hopeful about his availability.
That distinction is important: as of August 26, his participation looks increasingly likely, but Pakistan had not publicly announced a final playing XI at the time of reporting.
Why Babar’s Return Matters for Pakistan
Pakistan badly need greater stability in their batting after a difficult first Test.
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. Pakistan were bowled out for just 135 in their second innings.
Babar’s return could significantly strengthen the top and middle order.
He entered the England tour after finishing as Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the preceding West Indies series with 193 runs and two half-centuries.
His record in English conditions is another reason Pakistan will want him back as quickly as possible.
According to ICC figures, Babar has scored three half-centuries in six Test innings in England and averages 65.75 in the country. Against England overall, he averages 53.83 across 14 innings, including six fifties and a century.
Pakistan Under Pressure at Lord’s
The second Test has major implications for the series.
England enter Lord’s with a 1-0 advantage, meaning another victory would secure the three-match contest before the final Test at Edgbaston.
Pakistan, meanwhile, need at least a draw to keep the series alive.
The Lord’s Test will run from August 27 to 31, with the third and final Test scheduled at Edgbaston from September 9.
England are also dealing with a selection change of their own. Fast bowler Brydon Carse is unavailable for the second Test, with Sonny Baker added to England’s squad.
Can Babar Azam Change Pakistan’s Fortunes?
One player cannot solve every problem Pakistan faced at Headingley, but Babar’s possible return changes the complexion of the batting lineup.
Pakistan struggled to build sustained partnerships in the first Test, while England’s seam attack repeatedly exposed the touring side.
Babar offers experience against high-quality pace bowling and, as captain, gives Pakistan their regular leader back for a match they cannot afford to lose.
His performance in the nets is encouraging, but the final decision will depend on his fitness assessment and Pakistan’s team selection before the match.
For supporters, all attention will now be on the team announcement at Lord’s.
Pakistan vs England Second Test: Key Details
Detail
Information
Match
England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test
Venue
Lord’s Cricket Ground, London
Start date
August 27, 2026
Series score
England lead 1-0
Babar Azam status
In line to return; final selection awaited
Injury
Finger/right-hand issue
Pakistan captain
Babar Azam, if fit
What Happens Next?
Pakistan’s final XI will provide the definitive answer on Babar’s availability.
If cleared to play, his return would be one of Pakistan’s biggest changes from the side beaten at Headingley and could provide a much-needed lift as the tourists attempt to level the series at one of cricket’s most historic venues.
For now, the strongest indication is positive: Babar is batting again, completed a full session at Lord’s and is firmly in contention for the second Test.
Questions
Is Babar Azam playing the second Test against England? Babar is in line to return after completing a full batting session, but his place should not be described as officially confirmed until Pakistan announce their final XI.
Why did Babar Azam miss the first Test? He was recovering from a finger injury that was aggravated after he was struck on the right hand during Pakistan’s warm-up match in England.
When is Pakistan vs England second Test? The second Test begins at Lord’s on August 27, 2026 and is scheduled to run until August 31.
Who won the first England vs Pakistan Test? England won at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs to take a 1-0 series lead.
KARACHI: Former Pakistan Test captain and legendary batsman Younis Khan has said he wants to play his role in the development and stability of Pakistan cricket, stressing that he does not seek power but needs the freedom to work effectively.
Speaking to media during the inauguration ceremony of the Younis Khan Academy at KHA Legend Arena in Gulshan-e-Iqbal, Karachi, Younis said he wanted to discover and nurture talented cricketers from the city.
“I do not need power; I only want to contribute to the progress of Pakistan cricket. Whatever responsibility I take, I should not be restricted,” Younis said.
He added that the academy would help produce talented players who could represent Pakistan at the highest level. He said his aim was to serve the country through cricket and help Pakistan regain a top position in the sport.
Younis clarified that seeking a role in cricket administration was not about authority but about having an independent working environment. He said he wanted to build a team that could take effective steps for the promotion and strengthening of cricket.
Recalling his journey, Younis said that although he originally belonged to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he spent most of his life in Karachi and had strong ties with the city’s Malir area. He recalled travelling on bus rooftops during his early days to pursue cricket and credited former Test captain Rashid Latif for his guidance and support.
Younis said he had never believed in politics or manipulation but had always raised his voice for truth and fairness. He added that everyone should contribute to Karachi’s development and that he wanted to bring forward hidden cricket talent from the city to help serve Pakistan in the future.
