Jofra Archer produced a fierce moment at Lord’s as England’s pace attack continued to put Pakistan under immense pressure in the second Test. Archer’s short delivery to Babar Azam climbed sharply and rushed the Pakistan captain, who attempted to fend it away. The ball took the top portion of his bat, struck the helmet and ballooned towards the slip cordon, where Jordan Cox completed the catch. Babar departed for just 6 runs off eight balls, adding to Pakistan’s early troubles on the fourth day.

The dismissal came after Pakistan were set a daunting 389-run target following England’s second-innings total of 208. England’s bowlers immediately made inroads, with Ollie Robinson dismissing Azan Awais and Abdullah Shafique before Archer removed Babar, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble at 14/3. At lunch, Pakistan had recovered slightly to 53/3, but still required 336 more runs for an unlikely victory. Archer had already troubled Pakistan with his pace during the match, and his bouncer to Babar was another example of the pressure created by England’s aggressive fast-bowling attack.

England close in on series win as Pakistan struggle in fourth-innings chase at Lord’s in second Test match of three match series

England moved to the brink of winning the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s after another dominant day from their bowling attack. Pakistan were set a daunting 389-run target after England were bowled out for 208 in their second innings. Dan Lawrence top-scored with 54, while Mohammad Abbas claimed five wickets for Pakistan. England had earlier gained a crucial 180-run first-innings lead after dismissing Pakistan for only 110.

Pakistan’s chase began disastrously as Ollie Robinson removed Azan Awais and Abdullah Shafique in quick succession. Jofra Archer then produced the moment of the innings when his sharp bouncer struck Babar Azam’s bat and helmet before Jordan Cox completed the catch at slip. Babar scored only 6 from eight balls, leaving Pakistan 14/3. Shan Masood later made 26, while Saud Shakeel fought back but was dismissed for 97 runs as Pakistan reached 169/7 by the end of the available play. Robinson finished with four wickets, while Archer took one. England therefore remained firmly in control, needing five wickets to complete another Test victory and take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.