Mohammad Abbas Inspires Pakistan with Four Wickets Against England on Opening Day at Lord's

Pakistan seized the early advantage on the opening day of the second test against England at Lord's, thanks to a stellar bowling performance led by Mohammad Abbas on a weather-shortened Thursday.

After Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl following a rain delay, Mohammad Abbas capitalized on the muggy conditions to dismantle England's top order. A devastating spell of three wickets for 34 runs before lunch—including the crucial dismissal of England captain Joe Root—left the hosts struggling at 80-4.

Despite the rocky start, England fought back through resilient half-centuries from Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith, helping the team recover from 120-5. Jordan Cox anchored the innings with 55 runs, while Jamie Smith played an aggressive knock of 61. Late in the day, Gus Atkinson contributed an unbeaten 34 before bad light brought an early end to proceedings, with England finishing on 248-9.

Mohammad Abbas reprised his fond memories of Lord's—where he previously claimed eight wickets in a famous Pakistan victory eight years ago—by finding movement and rhythm straight away. Returning captain Babar Azam watched as Mohammad Abbas made the first breakthrough in his third over, inducing an edge from Emilio Gay that was safely caught by Mohammad Rizwan. Ben Duckett fell next for 17, trapped lbw by a sharp delivery from Mohammad Abbas that cut back.

Joe Root survived an early drop but failed to capitalize, pinned plumb lbw by Mohammad Abbas. Harry Brook then fell to a brilliant inswinger from Mohammad Ali, leaving England reeling at lunch. Following the break, Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence attempted to steady the innings until a risky single led to Dan Lawrence being run out by Mohammad Rizwan following sharp work by Shan Masood.

Jordan Cox's calm resistance was eventually ended by a sensational one-handed slip catch from substitute fielder and former captain Salman Agha off Khurram Shahzad. Jamie Smith looked dangerous before falling to Mohammad Ali, who also bowled Ollie Robinson for a duck two balls later. Mohammad Abbas claimed his fourth wicket when Jofra Archer was dismissed for 14, while Gus Atkinson continued to swing the bat as England successfully repaired some of the early damage in the gloomy conditions.