England asserted control over the Second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s on the second day, largely thanks to the bowling efforts of Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer. Robinson’s economical and incisive seam bowling yielded four wickets for just 11 runs in 13 overs, while Archer’s pace and aggression helped reduce Pakistan to 110 all out in their second innings.

Robinson, representing Sussex, continued his exceptional form this summer, potentially positioning himself for a third consecutive player-of-the-match award in the series. His disciplined line and length proved challenging for the Pakistani batsmen, who struggled to counter his movement and accuracy.

Archer, despite a history of injuries including back and elbow problems, demonstrated his capacity to bowl at speeds exceeding 90 mph. His fourth over reached an average speed of 92.7 mph, marking the second fastest of his career. He took three wickets for 26 runs, troubling the opposition with raw pace, although he might have added more had luck favored him.

Pakistan’s innings was hampered further by the absence of opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq, sidelined due to a calf strain. Only two Pakistani batsmen reached double figures, with opener Azan Awais top-scoring with 46 before falling to Robinson. Captain Babar Azam, returning after missing the first Test because of a finger injury, failed to make an impact despite showing some fluent shots, departing caught at third slip.

The visitors’ batting displayed persistent vulnerability, with innings totals falling to 171, 135, and now 110 in the series. Their tail-end collapse was sharp, with the final five wickets falling for 19 runs. Some wickets were decided after successful use of the Decision Review System (DRS), such as those of Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, both trapped leg before wicket despite appearing close calls in real time.

Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed refuted reports suggesting the team considered refusing to resume play after lunch on the first day. The situation has been complicated by off-field distractions, including a formal complaint from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding a recent television interview involving the sons of former captain and former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

England, set an overall lead of 261 runs, closed the day at 81 for three in their second innings. However, they encountered setbacks early on with the dismissals of Ben Duckett and Jordan Cox within the fourth over. Joe Root, England’s seasoned batsman, was again dismissed lbw, extending a troubling pattern he has faced with leg before wicket decisions in recent innings.

The match remains firmly tilted in England’s favor as they seek to extend their series advantage at one of cricket’s most iconic venues.