England take control on Day 2 of second Test against Pakistan

That's a wrap - That brings us to the end of an eventful Day 2 of this second Test, with England firmly taking the upper hand and Pakistan now facing a huge challenge to save the game. Day 3, also known as ‘Moving Day’, gets underway at 10 am GMT, but you know the drill - join us well before that for all the build-up. Cheers!

The pacers turn up the heat - Pakistan’s pacers came out firing after the break and gave England plenty to think about, with Khurram Shahzad making early inroads by removing Duckett and Cox. They were also unlucky at times, beating the edge repeatedly without the resulting chances carrying to hand. Root and Gay then steadied England with a 47-run stand before Ali got Root for 24, bringing Brook to the crease. The England batter had a huge lbw appeal to survive first ball, but settled quickly and, with Gay holding firm at the other end, the pair guided England through the rest of the session. Pakistan finally had something to cheer about with the ball, but England still hold the advantage.

Pakistan crumble - Pakistan needed a big partnership after lunch, but England simply kept the pressure on. Awais battled hard for his 46, riding his luck at times, but found precious little support as wickets continued to fall around him. Robinson was outstanding, taking four, while Archer claimed three and Tongue two as Pakistan folded for just 110, handing England a commanding 180-run lead. Imam-ul-Haq’s absence due to his calf injury made Pakistan’s task even tougher.

England finish the job - Pakistan began the day with England on 248/9, but the hosts quickly added 42 runs to stretch their total to 290, with Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue putting together a valuable last-wicket stand. Pakistan’s response was then rocked almost immediately, losing Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique as England’s seamers found their rhythm. At Lunch, Pakistan were 16/2, still 274 runs behind, with Azan Awais showing early signs of resistance.

5.52 pm GMT, STUMPS, DAY 2! A fascinating day of Test cricket comes to an end due to Bad Light as with the lights not improving, the umpires have called for STUMPS. While Day 3 is usually known as ‘Moving Day’, this game has moved along at a rapid pace. England are now firmly in the driver’s seat with a significant 261-run lead and look well placed to bat Pakistan out of the contest. The visitors were hugely disappointing with the bat, but showed some fight with the ball and will need something truly special to stop England from setting a massive target. With rain forecast for Day 3, the conditions could make batting even tougher, adding another layer to what promises to be a crucial day.

5.43 pm GMT - Bad light stops play - The umpires emerge right in the middle of the stumps with the light meter out as well. The Umpires have asked the players to leave the field as the light is not permitting further play for now, at least. England lead by 261 right now. Doesn't look promising with dark clouds destined towards the ground in the backdrop.

0

Overs21.1

Score80 - 3

Mohammad Abbas to Harry Brook, Rizwan comes up to the stumps and fails to gather one that has hit something. Good length, around off, Harry Brook prods onto the front foot and looks to block it out but gets it edged off the front pad and Rizwan gets it deflected off his gloves back onto his left shoulder.

5wd

Overs20.5

Score80 - 3

Mohammad Ali to Emilio Gay, 5 WIDES! Full and way too wide outside off, Emilio Gay leaves it. The ball keeping going away to the left of Rizwan, beats him and races to the fence at third man region for wide plus four.

4

Overs20.3

Score75 - 3

Mohammad Ali to Emilio Gay, FOUR! This has been flicked away to the fence for four runs. Good length, shaping back into the batter, Emilio Gay milks this through the mid-wicket region and the ball races to the deep mid-wicket fence for four runs.

0

Overs19.4

Score68 - 3

Mohammad Abbas to Emilio Gay, Rizwan seems not to learn from his mistakes as he continues to stand deep to these medium pacers. Good length, wide of off, Emilio Gay plays with soft hands and the ball gets a genuine outside edge and drops in front of the keeper.

W

Overs16.3

Score60 - 3

Mohammad Ali to Joe Root, OUT! LBW! Ali gets the big fish as Joe Root is trapped in front of the stumps. On a length, wide of off, shaping into the batter, Joe Root gets onto his front foot and looks to block it out but misses and the ball hits Root flush in front of the stumps on his front foot. A loud appeal for LBW and the umpire raises his finger. Joe Root asks for DRS. Ball Tracking shows three reds, with the ball hitting the middle stump, and England lose Root and a review.

0

Overs16.2

Score60 - 2

Mohammad Ali to Joe Root, Good length, wide of off, Joe Root has a tentative poke at it but bails out just in time as the ball shapes away from him.

4

Overs15.5

Score60 - 2

Khurram Shahzad to Emilio Gay, FOUR! Through the slip cordon for four runs. Good length, wide of off, Emilio Gay plays this late and dabs this through the legs of the second slip fielder for four runs.