Pakistan bowlers dominate England on a rain-hit first day

Pakistan's decision to bowl first under gloomy London skies paid dividends as their seamers made early inroads, but a resilient English middle-order ensured the hosts reached 248/9 at stumps after just 56 overs on Day 1 of the second ICC World Test Championship Test.

Coming off a crushing innings-and-103-run defeat at Headingley, Pakistan desperately needed a strong start to fuel their comeback in the three-match series.

A delayed start due to rain provided the perfect overcast conditions for the tourists' pace battery, and veteran Mohammad Abbas led the charge masterfully.

With the pitch offering plenty of lateral movement, Pakistan quickly disrupted England's top order. Ben Duckett (17) and Emilio Gay (8) were dismissed early, unable to survive the relentless probing of Abbas and Mohammad Ali.

England captain Joe Root who oversaw a massive victory in his return to the permanent captaincy last week—fell cheaply for 4.

Harry Brook (15) and Dan Lawrence (17) also failed to build on starts as Ali and Abbas kept the pressure high, leaving England precariously placed through the shortened early sessions.

Jordan Cox anchored the innings with a patient 55 off 105 deliveries, absorbing the pressure and blunting the older ball. He found an aggressive partner in wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who injected much-needed momentum into the innings.

Smith top-scored with a fluent 61 off 80 balls, successfully counter-attacking the seamers before Khurram Shahzad finally broke through to dismiss Cox and claim his first wicket of the match.

Gus Atkinson provided a highly entertaining lower-order cameo, blasting 34 from just 27 balls at a strike rate of 125.93 to push England past the 200-run mark.

Mohammad Abbas (4-56) eventually returned with an aim to clean up the tail, though Jofra Archer (14*) and Josh Tongue (1*) managed to survive the final few deliveries before the close of play.