Jamie Smith, Jordan Cox Fifties Rescue England After Top-Order Collapse at Lord’s

England recovered from a dramatic top-order collapse to reach 248/9 at stumps on a rain-affected opening day of the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s.

Veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas starred with the ball, claiming 4/56, including the key wicket of Joe Root for four, as England slipped to 36/3 after Pakistan won the toss and opted to field. Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence also departed as England struggled against the movement on offer. However, Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox steadied the innings with crucial half-centuries. Smith scored 61 off 63 balls, while Cox made 55 from 88 deliveries.

Mohammad Ali also impressed with 3/67. Bad light eventually forced an early close, leaving England nine down after 88 overs.