England reach 290 after late lower-order fightback vs Pakistan

Josh Tongue made a career-best 30 not out as England added crucial late runs.

Atkinson and Tongue fight back

Gus Atkinson scored 45 from 46 balls, hitting six fours, before Mohammad Abbas dismissed him. He and Tongue added 47 runs for the 10th wicket to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers.

Tongue remained unbeaten on 30 from 48 balls, with four boundaries. His score became his best in Test cricket, passing his previous highest of 19 against Australia at Lord’s.

Abbas leads Pakistan attack

Mohammad Abbas was Pakistan’s leading bowler, finishing with 4-73 from 20 overs. Pakistan had earlier reduced England to 36-3 after winning the toss, with Abbas taking three wickets for four runs in 16 balls.

England later recovered through Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox, who scored 61 and 55 respectively. Their efforts helped England reach 248-9 before bad light stopped play on Thursday.

Pakistan begins its reply

Pakistan had been bowled out for only 171 and 135 in the first Test at Headingley, where England won by an innings and 103 runs. Pakistan received a boost at Lord’s with the return of captain Babar Azam after he missed the opening Test because of a finger injury.

Imam-ul-Haq remained unavailable after suffering a left calf injury while fielding on Thursday. Shan Masood therefore opened alongside Azan Awais when Pakistan began its reply.

England’s late runs proved valuable after a difficult start to the innings. Pakistan will now look to its batsmen to build a strong reply and put pressure back on England.

Also read: PCB lodges complaint over Sky Sports interview with Imran Khan's sons

Also read: Mohammad Abbas takes 900th first-class wicket at Lord’s