LONDON - Pakistan seized the initiative on a rain- and bad-light-affected opening day of the second Test against England at Lord’s on Thursday, reducing the hosts to 248 for nine after only 56 overs of play. Mohammad Abbas spearheaded an impressive bowling display with four wickets, while Mohammad Ali claimed three as Pakistan’s pace attack repeatedly unsettled the England batting line-up. Khurram Shahzad took one wicket, leaving the hosts in danger of being bowled out for a modest total when play resumes.

England’s innings suffered an early setback after Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field. Abbas struck twice in successive overs, removing debutant Emilio Gay and opener Ben Duckett to leave England struggling at 26 for two.The experienced Joe Root followed soon after, caught for four, before Ali dismissed Harry Brook for 15 to leave the hosts four down. Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence briefly steadied the innings with a 43-run fifth-wicket stand, but a mix-up resulted in Lawrence’s run-out for 17.

Cox then combined with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith to frustrate Pakistan’s bowlers. The pair added 60 runs before tea, taking England to 180 for five. Cox reached a valuable 55 from 105 balls, while Smith continued his aggressive approach with 61 off 80 deliveries, including 10 boundaries.

Pakistan, however, returned strongly in the final session. Shahzad ended Cox’s resistance through a spectacular one-handed catch by substitute Salman Ali Agha at second slip.Smith then fell to Ali for 61, and the pacer struck again in the same over to bowl Ollie Robinson for a duck, reducing England to 222 for eight. Gus Atkinson offered late resistance, remaining unbeaten on 34. Jofra Archer contributed 14 before Abbas removed him with the final wicket of the day, completing an outstanding four-wicket haul.With England nine down, Pakistan will look to wrap up the innings quickly when play resumes, while the hosts will hope Atkinson and Josh Tongue can extend their total.

ENGLAND 248-9, 56 overs (Jordan Cox 55, Jamie Smith 61, Gus Atkinson 34*; M Abbas 4-56, M Ali 367) vs PAKISTAN.