Robinson, Archer Demolish Pakistan as England Take Strong Grip at Lord’s

Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer produced a devastating spell of fast bowling as England seized control of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, securing a commanding 261-run lead by the end of the second day.

England, who made 290 in their first innings, bowled Pakistan out for just 110 in 37.2 overs, gaining a substantial 180-run advantage. By stumps, England had reached 81 for 3 in their second innings, with Emilio Gay unbeaten on 30 and Harry Brook on 7.

The day produced 13 wickets as England’s pace attack dominated Pakistan’s batting. Robinson was particularly impressive, finishing with outstanding figures of 4 for 11 from 13 overs, including six maidens. His accuracy, movement off the seam and disciplined line made life extremely difficult for Pakistan’s batters.

Archer complemented Robinson with raw pace and hostility. The fast bowler repeatedly touched 92-94mph (148-151kph) and finished with 3 for 26 from 11.2 overs, maintaining relentless pressure throughout his spell.

England’s Tail Adds Valuable Runs

England resumed the day at 248 for 9 after bad light had ended play on the opening evening. Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue frustrated Pakistan for almost an hour, putting together a valuable 47-run partnership for the final wicket.

Atkinson eventually fell for a well-made 45 from 46 balls after hitting Ali Usman to long-off. Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 from 48 deliveries as England reached 290, a total that proved far more valuable once their bowlers got to work.

Archer and Robinson Rip Through Pakistan

Archer struck early after Imam-ul-Haq was ruled unable to bat because of a calf injury sustained while fielding on the first day.

Shan Masood, opening in place of Imam, was trapped into an edge behind after Archer delivered a full ball at around 91mph.

Archer then subjected Abdullah Shafique to a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, including a 92mph bouncer that struck the batter on the hand as he attempted to evade it.

Pakistan survived a few anxious moments, including a dropped chance offered by Azan Awais, but Tongue eventually made the breakthrough when Shafique edged behind to Jamie Smith. Pakistan went to lunch at 16 for 2.

Babar Azam, returning to the side after missing the first Test with a hand injury, lasted only eight runs before Tongue had him caught at third slip by Jordan Cox.

Robinson then took centre stage. He removed Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan leg before wicket on reviews either side of a brief rain interruption.

Archer finally got his reward when Ali Usman chopped a delivery onto his own stumps. The Pakistan batter had struggled throughout against Archer's pace and movement.

Awais showed considerable resilience, surviving 106 balls for 46, but Robinson eventually ended his resistance with a bouncer that was pulled to square leg.

Robinson then struck again in the same over, having Khurrum Shahzad caught at second slip by Brook. His double strike left Pakistan in deep trouble.

Archer narrowly missed out on further wickets when Joe Root failed to hold a difficult chance at leg slip, while Mohammad Ali survived an lbw review after the ball-tracking showed the delivery would have hit the stumps but impact was ruled umpire's call.

Archer finally ended the innings in spectacular fashion, knocking Mohammad Abbas' off stump out of the ground with an inswinging delivery. With Imam unable to bat, Pakistan were all out for 110, leaving England with a 180-run first-innings lead.

England Lose Three in Second Innings

England made a rapid but slightly frenetic start to their second innings. Ben Duckett fell in the second over after picking out mid-off.

Cox, who had scored a half-century in England's first innings, struck two boundaries off Abbas before being trapped lbw by Khurrum Shahzad. Pakistan successfully reviewed the decision, giving Shahzad his second wicket in as many overs.

Root and Gay then attempted to rebuild the innings. Root survived a tense moment when he was nearly run out after Gay sent him back, while Pakistan also unsuccessfully reviewed an lbw appeal against the England captain.

The pair added 47 runs before Root fell to Mohammad Ali's nip-backer. Root reviewed the decision, but the review confirmed the dismissal, extending a worrying sequence for the England captain — he has now been dismissed lbw in seven of his last nine innings.

When bad light brought an early end to proceedings shortly before 6:45pm, England were 81 for 3, leading Pakistan by 261 runs overall.

With Gay unbeaten and Brook at the crease, England will resume the third day in a commanding position, with Pakistan facing the prospect of a long second innings against an England attack that has already found plenty of pace, movement and bounce at Lord's.