Last-wicket duo take England to 290 all out in 2nd Test against Pakistan

On the second day of the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's, the hosts were dismissed for 290 in their first innings, thanks in part to a Test-best 30 not out from Josh Tongue. Gus Atkinson, who has previously scored a Test century at Lord's, was the last man out for a near run-a-ball 45 after partnering Tongue for 47 runs.

Mohammad Abbas spearheaded Pakistan's attack with 4-73 in just 20 overs. England had previously struggled at 36-3 on the previous day, with Abbas claiming three wickets for just four runs in 16 balls after Pakistan won the toss. Despite the setback, fifties from Jamie Smith (61) and Jordan Cox (55) helped England recover to 248-9 when play was halted due to bad light.

On Friday, Tongue, despite being a tailender, played a crucial innings, expertly guiding the ball to fine leg and hitting Abbas through the covers for another boundary. Pakistan resorted to left-arm spinner Ali Usman to try and end the stubborn stand, but Atkinson managed to score his third boundary of the innings through long-on, before being run out off the next ball.

Tongue's unbeaten 30, off 48 balls including four boundaries, marked his highest Test score against Pakistan. The runs scored on Friday were particularly valuable, considering Pakistan had been dismissed for just 171 and 135 as England had won the previous Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs. However, Pakistan's morale was lifted by the return of captain Babar Azam after recovering from a finger injury that had kept him out of the first match of the three-match series.

Unfortunately, opener Imam-ul-Haq remained off the field on Friday due to a left calf muscle strain sustained while fielding during the previous day's game. Shan Masood took over the opening spot alongside Azar Awais when Pakistan started their reply.