On a rain-affected opening day of the second Test at Lord's, Pakistan's Mohammad Abbas produced a masterclass in swing bowling, claiming four wickets to leave England struggling at 248-9. The hosts, however, showed resilience to recover from a disastrous start, with half-centuries from Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith helping them rebuild.

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, returning after missing the first Test defeat, won the toss and chose to bowl in muggy conditions. Abbas, who took eight wickets at Lord's eight years ago, immediately found his rhythm, removing Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett (17), and England captain Joe Root before lunch, reducing England to 80-4.

Cox, batting calmly at number three, scored 55, while Smith made an aggressive 61, adding crucial runs after England slipped to 120-5. Gus Atkinson chipped in with an unbeaten 34 before bad light forced an early close, leaving the match finely poised.

Abbas's spell was complemented by Mohammad Ali, who dismissed Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, and Ollie Robinson (duck). A spectacular one-handed catch by substitute fielder Salman Agha removed Cox, highlighting Pakistan's sharp fielding.

England's lower order showed fight, but they still trail significantly. With Pakistan's batting exposed in the first Test, the match is set for an intriguing second day. The visitors will be eager to capitalize on their bowling advantage, while England will look to their bowlers to restrict Pakistan's lead.

Source: www.aljazeera.com