Mohammad Abbas removed Emilio Gay as Pakistan made an early breakthrough after winning the toss and choosing to field in the second Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday.
England reached 21 for one after five overs, with Ben Duckett unbeaten on 13. Gay made eight from 17 balls before Abbas had him caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan in the fifth over.
Pakistan brought Babar Azam back into the side as captain for the Test. Abbas took one wicket for 13 runs from his three overs, while Khurram Shahzad bowled two overs for eight runs.
Pakistan will hope the early wicket is the tip of the iceberg as they seek further success with the ball. England’s remaining batsmen include Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.
The second Test is being played from August 27 to 31 at Lord’s in London. Play began at 11am local time, with Pakistan electing to field first.
TOSS
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bowl first against England in the second Test of the three-match series at Lord’s on Thursday.
The visitors have made a key change to their lineup, with Babar Azam returning as captain after missing the opening Test at Headingley due to a finger injury.
Salman Ali Agha, who led Pakistan in Babar’s absence, has been left out of the playing XI.
Pakistan XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Azan Awais, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.
England, meanwhile, have retained the same XI that secured a dominant victory in the series opener.
England XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.
Pakistan are under pressure to bounce back after England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs.
The visitors, however, will take confidence from their recent record in London, having won their last three Tests against England in the capital.
England lead the three-match series 1-0 and can seal the series with another victory at Lord’s.
Pakistan will hope their pace attack can exploit the overcast conditions early in the match before the pitch becomes more favourable for batting.
Head-to-head
The two sides have faced each other 93 times in Test cricket.
- England won: 31
- Pakistan won: 23
- Draws: 39
Form guide
England: W, L, L, W, L
Pakistan: L, W, L, L, L
