Pakistan seize early initiative as Abbas rattles England top order

Pakistan made a strong start to the second Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday, with Mohammad Abbas taking three wickets in the opening session after captain Babar Azam opted to bowl first.

England were reduced to 57-4 before the lunch interval, with Abbas claiming the wickets of Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett and Joe Root. Mohammad Ali then dismissed Harry Brook to further strengthen Pakistan’s position.

England’s openers initially made a positive start, putting together 21 runs before Abbas had Gay caught behind. The Pakistan pacer struck again in his following over, dismissing Duckett for 17 off 20 balls.

Root joined Jordan Cox at the crease but their partnership lasted only 10 runs before Abbas removed the England captain for four.

Brook and Cox attempted to stabilise the innings, adding 31 runs for the fourth wicket. However, Ali bowled Brook for 15 in the final over of the session.

Cox remained unbeaten on 27, while Dan Lawrence was not out on two at the interval.

Abbas was Pakistan’s leading bowler, finishing the session with three wickets for 34 runs from eight overs. Ali had one wicket