Mohammad Abbas Takes Four Wickets as Pakistan Leads Against England in Second Test

England recovered from a challenging position of 80-4 at lunch to finish the first day at 248-9 in the rain-shortened second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. Pakistan bowler Mohammad Abbas took four wickets, significantly impacting England's top order. After winning the toss and electing to bowl on a humid Thursday morning following a rain delay, Abbas capitalized on the conditions, achieving figures of three for 34 before lunch, including the dismissal of England captain Joe Root. At lunch, England was struggling at 80-4. However, half-centuries from Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith helped England to a more respectable total, especially after a heavy defeat in the first Test at Leeds. Cox scored 55 and Smith contributed 61, while Gus Atkinson added an unbeaten 34 before bad light ended play early. Abbas, who had previously taken eight wickets at Lord’s in a Pakistan victory eight years ago, made his first breakthrough with the last ball of his third over, dismissing Emilio Gay. He continued to take key wickets, including Root and Harry Brook, as England faced difficulties. The day concluded with England at 248-9, with Atkinson still at the crease.