Babar Azam's direct hit ends England innings as Pakistan set 389 to chase at Lord's
England were bowled out for 208 in their second innings on day three of the second Test at Lord's, leaving Pakistan to chase 389 for victory. The innings ended in unusual fashion when Josh Tongue, who had made 12, was run out at the non-striker's end by a direct hit from Pakistan captain Babar Azam. BBC Sport
The run-out carried a twist. According to ESPNcricinfo's live blog of day two, Tongue was dismissed at the non-striker's end after a dropped catch appeared to ricochet onto the stumps, with Azam credited for the direct hit that sealed it. Either way, the bails were off, Tongue was short, and England's innings closed on 208.
Pakistan now face a target of 389 — a substantial chase in the fourth innings of a Test match, when the pitch is typically at its most worn and unpredictable. For context, the fourth innings is a side's final batting effort in a Test; by that stage, the surface has often begun to crack and favour bowlers, making large run chases notoriously difficult.
England's position of strength was built across the match. In their first innings, they posted 290, with Tongue — more renowned as a fast bowler — contributing an unbeaten 30 in a 47-run last-wicket partnership that lasted nearly an hour. ESPNcricinfo
Tongue had earlier made his mark with the ball. He took 2 for 27 in Pakistan's first innings, complementing Jofra Archer's 3-26 as England built a commanding lead. By the close of play on day three, England had reached 81-3 in their second innings before bad light ended proceedings — a position from which they then pushed on to set the 389 target. Times of India
The second Test, played at Lord's from 27 to 31 August 2026, is part of Pakistan's tour of England. England won the first Test at Headingley, where Ollie Robinson took a four-wicket haul and Tongue claimed three wickets of his own. ESPNcricinfo
Tongue's all-round contribution has been a feature of this series. A bowler who can bat long enough to frustrate the opposition and take key wickets with the new ball is a valuable asset in any Test side, and his efforts at Lord's — runs in the first innings, wickets in Pakistan's reply, and a cameo in the second — have helped put England in a commanding position.
Pakistan's task now is clear: 389 runs to level the series, or survival across the remaining overs to force a draw. England need ten wickets. The pitch at Lord's, five days old and wearing, will have the final say.
