England vs Pakistan: Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer give hosts control at Lord’s
Second Rothesay Test, Lord’s (day two of five)
England 290 (Smith 61, Cox 55; Abbas 4-73) & 81-3 (Gay 30*)
Pakistan 110 (Awais 46; Robinson 4-11, Archer 3-26)
England lead by 261 runs
England’s quartet of seamers once again overwhelmed Pakistan to put the home side on the verge of a series win on the second day of the second Test at Lord’s.
Led by Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer, and supported by Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson, the foursome gave another demonstration of why there is growing optimism around the England attack.
The struggling Pakistanis, without the injured Imam-ul-Haq, were hustled out for 110. Only Azan Awais, who made 46, passed 20 – extras was the next highest score.
Robinson continued his sensational comeback summer with 4-11, while Archer bowled with electrifying pace for his 3-26.
It gave England, who earlier extended their first innings to 290, an advantage of 180 runs.
The hosts were soon 13-2 in their second innings before being steadied by a stand of 47 between Emilio Gay and Joe Root.
As the light drew in, Root was dismissed by Mohammad Ali for 24, the captain once again lbw to a seam bowler in what has become a trend for England’s all-time leading run-scorer.
Harry Brook overturned being given out lbw first ball to the same bowler and Gay battled to 30 not out. The opener has the opportunity for a much-needed score to quieten questions about his place in the side.
England reached 81-3, a lead of 261. Given Saturday’s weather forecast, they may have to wait some time to build their advantage.
