England paid a heavy price for their own faulty batting as Pakistan demonstrated how it should be done on day two of the first NatWest Test at Lord’s.
Babar Azam top-scored with 68 before having to retire hurt, and the tourists duly put themselves in a position surely beyond even their own best hopes back when Joe Root had chosen to bat first the previous morning.
After Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali and Shadab Khan also reached 50, Pakistan closed 166 in front on 350 for eight and apparently on course to inflict England’s sixth defeat in their last eight Tests.
Another tutorial for England
Stat of the day
A healthy lead for Pakistan after two days at Lord’s.
Scorecard/Clips: https://t.co/q29aMtTXi9#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/nfFYraVBNE
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) May 25, 2018
166 – Pakistan’s lead leaves England with a yawning mid-match disadvantage.
Oops!
Tweet of the day
? @DGoughie with MCC Chief Executive & Secretary Guy Lavender prior to ringing the five-minute bell this morning!#LoveLords#ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/GGfqXCwjPT
— Lord’s Cricket Ground (@HomeOfCricket) May 25, 2018
What next?
Missed chances are England’s downfall on day two at Lord’s, Pakistan building a lead of 166 runs by reaching 350/8 at stumps.#ENGvPAK scorecard ➡️ https://t.co/5OEmW3pCzn pic.twitter.com/E1coG0Fi7a
— ICC (@ICC) May 25, 2018
An uphill battle for England to avoid another defeat.
