Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox helped England recover to 248-9 against Pakistan on a rain-affected and light-shortened opening day of the second Test at Lord’s. Their partnership steadied England after a difficult start, leaving the hosts with a potentially competitive total in a match that could decide the series amid further rain forecasts and a troubled week off the field.

Smith made 61 and Cox 55, adding 67 for the sixth wicket after England had slipped to 120-5, while Gus Atkinson finished unbeaten on 34. Pakistan’s improved seam attack was led by Muhammad Abbas, who took 4-56, and Mohammad Ali with three wickets, though the tourists dropped three catches; play began at 12:20 BST after rain and ended early because of bad light.