By: News Desk 92Pavilion | Updated: August 28, 2026
Quick Answer: Mohammad Abbas took four wickets as Pakistan restricted England to 248-9 on a rain-affected opening day of the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday. Only 56 overs were possible before bad light ended play early, with England’s last pair unbeaten at the close.
How the Day Unfolded
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first at Lord’s, a decision that paid off early. Mohammad Abbas struck in a lengthy morning spell, removing openers Emilio Gay and Ben Duckett before also getting rid of captain Joe Root, who fell for just 4 runs. England slipped to 77-4 as Mohammad Ali joined the attack, bowling England’s Harry Brook with a delivery that jagged back sharply into his stumps.
Cox and Smith Steady the Innings
England found some stability through the middle session as Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith rebuilt the innings with a 105-ball stand worth 105 runs. Pakistan’s wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan grassed a chance off Smith when he was on just 15, and the England batter went on to make 61. Cox reached 55 before Khurram Shahzad had him bowled, ending the partnership.
Sharp Catching Moments
Despite the missed chance off Smith, Pakistan’s fielding produced two standout moments. Rizwan took a diving one-handed catch to remove Gay early in the innings, and substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha, filling in for the injured Imam-ul-Haq, pulled off a brilliant cartwheeling catch at second slip to dismiss Cox on 55.
Abbas Completes His Four-Wicket Haul
Abbas went wicketless through the afternoon session before returning in the evening to remove Jofra Archer, taking his tally for the day to four wickets. He came close to matching teammate Mohammad Ali’s tally for a five-wicket haul at his favourite ground, but bad light brought an early end to play with roughly an hour of scheduled time remaining. “This is my favorite ground,” Abbas said after play was called off.
Where the Match Stands
England ended the day on 248-9, with Gus Atkinson unbeaten on 34 and Josh Tongue not out on 1. Play had already started late on Thursday because of rain, and only 56 overs were bowled in total before bad light forced an early finish. Pakistan will look to wrap up the England innings quickly when play resumes, having already lost the first Test of the series.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wickets did Mohammad Abbas take on day one?
Abbas finished the day with four wickets, dismissing Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer.
What was England’s score at the end of day one?
England finished on 248-9 when bad light ended play early.
Why did play end early?
Bad light stopped proceedings with about an hour of scheduled play still remaining, after the day had already started late due to rain.
Who else took wickets for Pakistan?
Mohammad Ali dismissed Harry Brook, and Khurram Shahzad removed Jordan Cox.
This report is based on match coverage from Cricket Times and the Associated Press.
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