England’s emerging four-man pace attack gave a strong performance against Pakistan at Lord’s, suggesting it could pose a meaningful threat to stronger batting sides, including Australia. After Ben Stokes’ retirement forced a reshaping of the bowling unit, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson have developed a combination of pace, control and contrasting methods.

The quartet dismissed Pakistan for 110 in the second Test, with Robinson taking 4-11 and reaching 17 wickets at an average of 8.84 in three Tests that summer. Archer reached 95mph, while Tongue and Atkinson also offer high pace; Robinson’s strength is accuracy, hitting a good length with 70% of his deliveries and conceding only 11 runs from 13 overs. Former captain Michael Vaughan said the attack’s variety and potential for improvement could make it effective against Australia, despite Pakistan’s batting struggles and helpful English conditions providing important context.