Smith and Cox steady England as Pakistan strike at Lord’s

England reached 248-9 against Pakistan on a rain-shortened opening day of the second Test at Lord’s, with Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox providing the main resistance in difficult batting conditions. BBC Sport reported that Smith made 61 and Cox 55 before bad light brought play to an early close, leaving Pakistan yet to begin their first innings.

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Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and chose to bowl after the start was delayed until 12:20 p.m. local time. Mohammad Abbas quickly justified that decision by removing Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett and England captain Joe Root during a spell in which he claimed three wickets for four runs across 16 balls. England later slipped to 120-5 when Dan Lawrence was run out for 17 after a mix-up with Cox.

Cox and Smith then added 67 for the sixth wicket to rebuild the innings. Cox played patiently as Pakistan restricted the scoring after lunch, while Smith increased the tempo through the covers and off his pads. Their partnership ended when substitute fielder Salman Ali Agha took a one-handed catch at second slip off Khurram Shahzad to dismiss Cox.

Smith had earlier been dropped on 15 when wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan failed to hold an edge off Mohammad Ali. He went on to complete a needed half-century before Ali bowled him. Pakistan also missed chances offered by Root and Lawrence, although neither reprieve proved as costly as Smith’s.

Abbas finished the day with 4-56, while Ali took three wickets, bowling Harry Brook, Smith and Ollie Robinson. Gus Atkinson’s unbeaten 34 gave England a useful late contribution and helped the home side approach 250 before the umpires ended play under a dark sky with the floodlights in use.

BBC Sport described England’s total as competitive but noted that its value will become clearer once Pakistan bat. The pitch was assessed as better than the surface used for England’s June Test against New Zealand, while further rain was forecast during the match. England lead the series after winning the first Test at Headingley, giving Pakistan added incentive to turn their improved bowling display into a strong first innings.