Seam quartet puts England on verge of series win
England’s four-man seam attack put them firmly in control of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, leaving the hosts on the verge of securing the series. Pakistan were bowled out for just 110, giving England a major first-innings lead, before England extended their overall advantage to 261 runs by stumps.
Ollie Robinson led the bowling with 4-11 and Jofra Archer took 3-26, with Archer reaching 95mph in an aggressive opening spell. England had earlier completed 290 thanks in part to a 47-run last-wicket stand, while Pakistan’s Azan Awais top-scored with 46 and no other batter made more than 20; Pakistan have yet to reach 172 or bat 50 overs in the series. England ended day two on 81-3, with Emilio Gay unbeaten on 30, though poor weather could disrupt the following day.
- England lead Pakistan by 261 runs after dominating day two.
- Robinson and Archer helped bowl Pakistan out for 110.
- Rain may delay England’s likely series-clinching victory.
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Test cricket is played over up to five days, with each team usually batting twice and bowling twice. A series is a set of matches between the same two sides, and winning a Test can depend on building a large lead after the first innings.
England’s seam bowlers use pace and movement through the air or off the pitch to try to dismiss batters. Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer are fast bowlers in England’s attack, while Pakistan’s batters are trying to make enough runs to keep the match competitive.
A first-innings lead gives a side a strong position because it can set the opposition a difficult target later in the match. Weather can matter at Lord’s, as rain may reduce the time available for either side to force a result.