England's Seam Attack Puts Pakistan to the Sword at Lord's

England stand on the verge of a series-clinching win over Pakistan after their four fast bowlers dismantled the tourists for 110 on day two of the second Test at Lord's.

The home side reached 81-3 in their second innings by stumps, a lead of 261 runs with seven wickets still in hand. Pakistan needed a victory at Lord's to level the three-match series after England crushed them by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley five days earlier. Another defeat would hand Joe Root, in his second spell as permanent captain, an unassailable 2-0 lead with one Test to play.

Ollie Robinson was the destroyer-in-chief. Returning to the side this summer after a spell on the sidelines, he tore through Pakistan's batting order with figures of 4-11 — the kind of numbers that turn a tight day into a rout. Jofra Archer took 3-26, bowling with the sort of raw pace that reminded everyone what he brings at full tilt. Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson shared the remaining wickets, giving Pakistan no respite from either end.

Only Azan Awais offered resistance. His 46 was the lone score above 20 in an innings that folded quickly. Without the injured Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's top order lacked the anchor they needed against a seam attack operating in near-perfect conditions.

England's first-innings total of 290 had already given them a commanding position. Jamie Smith top-scored with 61, Jordan Cox made 55, and Mohammad Abbas kept Pakistan in the contest with 4-73. But the 180-run first-innings lead meant England's bowlers could attack freely, knowing any target they set would be daunting on a wearing surface.

Emilio Gay, under pressure for his place, reached 30 not out overnight. He has a chance on day three to silence the questions about his spot with the kind of substantial score his critics say he has lacked.

Root fell for 24, trapped lbw by Mohammad Ali — a mode of dismissal that has become uncomfortably familiar for England's captain against seam bowling.

Pakistan's task now is survival. They need early wickets on day three to have any hope of keeping the series alive. England need only bat patiently, stretch the lead beyond reach, and let their seam quartet finish what it started.

The third and final Test is scheduled at Edgbaston from 9 September. (BBC Sport; ECB)