Smith and Cox revive England against Pakistan after Abbas strikes
England recovered from a top-order collapse to reach 248-9 on the opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's. Mohammad Abbas led the Pakistani bowling attack, taking four wickets in challenging conditions.
Why it matters
This report covers a significant international sporting event, highlighting the competitive nature of Test cricket between England and Pakistan.
Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox both scored fifties as England recovered from a top-order collapse against Pakistan to reach 248-9 when bad light ended Thursday's (August 27, 2026) opening day of the second Test at Lord's.
Veteran paceman Mohammad Abbas took three wickets for four runs in 16 balls, including the prize scalp of England captain Joe Root for four, as the hosts slumped to 36-3, after Pakistan won the toss in helpful conditions for seam bowling.
But Smith's 61 and 55 from number three Cox — his second fifty in successive Test innings — got England back into the game.
Abbas had fine figures of 4-56 in 15 overs and fellow seamer Mohammad Ali 3-67 in 17 when the umpires ruled it was unsafe to continue despite the floodlights illuminating the ground.
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