England Clinch Series Over Pakistan as Robinson Rips Through Lord's
England beat Pakistan by 194 runs in the second Test at Lord's, wrapping up the three-match series with a game to spare. Ollie Robinson took 8-35 across the match to seal a fourth-day finish that handed England their first Test series triumph since 2024. BBC Sport
Set a Lord's record target of 389 to win, Pakistan were bowled out for 194 in their second innings. Robinson did the bulk of the damage with 4-24, dismantling the chase after England had earlier built a commanding position across the first three days.
The match swung decisively on Friday, 28 August, when England bowled Pakistan out for just 110 in the first innings — a total that gave the hosts a 261-run lead. Reuters England had posted 290 in their first knock, a score that suddenly looked commanding once Pakistan's reply folded inside a session and a half.
Rain ate into the third day, but Dan Lawrence made the weather irrelevant with a half-century that pushed England towards a declaration. England added 208 in their second innings, setting Pakistan that record chase and leaving the visitors needing to bat out close to two days to save the match. Reuters
By lunch on day four, Pakistan were already in deep trouble at 53-3. Reuters The afternoon brought no respite. Wickets fell in clusters and Robinson, finding movement and bounce that the pitch rewarded, ran through the lower order to finish Pakistan off inside four days.
For Joe Root, this series marks a successful start to his second stint as England captain. Two Tests, two wins — and the first series victory England have managed since 2024. Root's first reign ended without sustained success, so back-to-back results against a Pakistan side who had pushed England hard in the opening Test in Multan carry real significance for a team that has spent two years searching for a settled direction.
The first Test had been a very different kind of contest: a run-fest in Multan where records fell and milestones piled up. ECB Lord's, by contrast, was a bowler's match — England's attack making the most of conditions that helped seam and swing throughout.
What makes this result stand out is the margin. A 194-run win at Lord's is not a squeak over the line; it is a thorough dismantling across four sessions of cricket. Pakistan arrived in England after a competitive first Test and leave Lord's staring at a series they cannot now win.
The third and final Test begins at Edgbaston on Wednesday, 9 September. Pakistan will play for pride and a consolation result. England, series already secured, have the chance to make a statement of intent under Root's leadership before the international calendar moves on.
