England beat Pakistan by 194 runs on the fourth day of the second Test at Lord’s on Sunday, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series (Dawn). The series is decided with one match still to play.
How the match was lost
England made 290 and 208. Pakistan were bowled out for 110 in reply — a first-innings deficit of 180 — and then for 194 chasing 389.
Saud Shakeel made 97 off 122 balls, with 13 fours and two sixes. No other Pakistan batter resisted. Ollie Robinson took 4-24 in the fourth innings (Dawn), giving him eight in the match and 16 in the series (Express Tribune).
Pakistan’s bowlers did their part. Mohammad Abbas took 5-57 in England’s second innings for his first entry on the Lord’s honours board (Dawn).
What Babar said
Speaking at the post-match presentation, captain Babar Azam said his side had not made use of conditions that suited them (Geo News).
“We tried to utilise the conditions. Then, the batting was not up to the mark. Second innings again, bowling… Abbas was outstanding. Batting again collapsed,” Babar said. “I think Saud played [well], showed class and determination.”
He added: “We just followed our plans and tried to build partnership, but unfortunately, we didn’t have partnerships.”
The changes being discussed
The third and final Test is at Edgbaston in Birmingham from September 9 to 13.
Geo News, citing sources, reports that an emergency meeting was held at the team hotel after the defeat, and that Mohammad Rizwan and opener Imam-ul-Haq are likely to be sent home, with Saim Ayub and Arafat Minhas called up (Geo News). None of this has been confirmed by the PCB.
The Express Tribune, reporting separately, says six players have been summoned from Pakistan — Saim and Arafat among them, with fast bowlers Razaullah and Imran Junior added by its sports desk — and that the rest travel once visas come through.
Imam did not bat in the first innings because of a calf injury, according to Geo, and did not bat on Sunday either despite pain-killing injections, according to the Tribune. Geo reports, citing sources, that the PCB may open a high-level inquiry into the injury.
The two outlets diverge on the coach. Both say white-ball head coach Mike Hesson will step into the Test set-up at Birmingham — the Tribune says he will take charge for the third Test. Geo’s sources say red-ball coach Sarfaraz Ahmed could be removed after the tour; the Tribune says he stays with the squad.
Hesson travelled to London with Director of the High Performance Centre Aqib Javed. The PCB’s stated reason was a dinner hosted by King Charles on September 2 in honour of the men’s team (Geo News).
Whether Hesson’s role at Edgbaston is temporary cover or the start of something permanent is the question the PCB has not yet answered publicly.
