Root’s side on course for a first home Test series triumph in two years
Pakistan have been left plummeting towards another heavy defeat in the second Test as England seized total control at Lord’s, bowling them out for 110 and building a lead of 261.
Even with rain forecast to interfere on day three, England, who reached 3-81 by the close in their second innings on Friday (Saturday AEST), look almost certain to wrap up their first Test series win at home for two years.
England’s tail wagged with a last-wicket stand of 47 between Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson on the second morning, extending their first innings to a respectable 290 after they had toiled on 5-120 on Thursday when bowler Mohammad Abbas had the visitors on top.
Pakistan’s batting, weakened by absence of opener Imam-ul-Haq, who injured his calf on Thursday, was then ruthlessly exposed by the metronomic accuracy of Ollie Robinson and the intimidating pace of Jofra Archer who nudged the needle to 95mph.
“I don’t think the speed gun is accurate in this game, to be honest,” Archer said. “It didn’t really feel that way. But I’ll take it.
“I could probably play until 40 at this rate with this attack.
“It’s really nice having the extra seamers in the line-up. It’s unbelievable when everybody is fit and firing. Each day it will be someone else’s turn.”
Robinson ended with the incredible figures of 4-11 from 13 overs while Archer bagged 3-26.
There was some evening cheer for Pakistan as Khurram Shahzad removed Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox cheaply and Mohammad Ali sent England skipper Joe Root back to the pavilion, trapped again lbw, but opener Emilio Gay was 30 not out as bad light curtailed play.
Considering how Pakistan have batted so far in the series – they managed scores of 171 and 136 at Headingley – England’s lead on a pitch still causing problems could well be already beyond them.
