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England and Pakistan will renew their rivalry in the second Test of the three-match series at Lord’s, starting on August 27. The hosts head into the contest with a 1-0 lead after an emphatic innings-and-103-run victory in the series opener at Headingley.
While England will be eager to maintain their dominance and move one step closer to a series victory, Pakistan have plenty to prove after a disappointing performance in Leeds. The visitors are also expected to welcome back captain Babar Azam, who missed the opening Test due to a finger injury and has made encouraging progress in training.
With several world-class players on both sides, individual contests could have a major influence on the outcome at Lord’s.
Here are three player battles that could be crucial in the second ENG vs PAK Test
The potential contest between Babar Azam and Ollie Robinson could be one of the biggest talking points at Lord’s.
Babar is expected to return to Pakistan’s playing XI after missing the first Test. His comeback could not have come at a more important time, with Pakistan’s batting unit struggling badly in Leeds. Babar reportedly had a positive training session ahead of the Test, facing both pace and spin without major discomfort.
However, England have a bowler in Ollie Robinson who will be confident after producing a sensational performance in the series opener. Robinson claimed five wickets in Pakistan’s first innings and finished the match with eight wickets, earning Player of the Match honours.
Robinson’s ability to bowl a disciplined line outside off stump while extracting movement makes him a difficult proposition for any batter. Babar, meanwhile, will need to show the patience and technical control that have made him Pakistan’s premier batter over the years.
The first spell Robinson bowls to Babar could set the tone for the contest. If Babar survives the early examination, Pakistan could gain much-needed confidence. But another early breakthrough for Robinson could expose Pakistan’s middle order to pressure.
Harry Brook’s battle against Pakistan’s emerging pace options will also be fascinating, particularly if Ubaid Shah gets the nod at Lord’s.
Brook was one of the stars of the first Test, scoring a magnificent 91 from 93 balls as England took control of the contest. His innings showcased a more measured approach while retaining the aggressive strokeplay that has become his trademark.
Pakistan cannot afford to give Brook easy scoring opportunities. He has the ability to turn a good bowling spell into a damaging one in a matter of overs, particularly once he becomes comfortable at the crease.
Ubaid Shah, meanwhile, could provide Pakistan with a genuine pace threat if selected. Pakistan are reportedly considering changes to their bowling combination after their attack struggled to match England’s intensity at Headingley.
The contest could come down to whether Ubaid can consistently bowl at Brook’s body and create awkward angles without offering scoring opportunities. Brook will look to counter that aggression by using his range of strokes and putting pressure back on the young seamer.
If Brook gets through Ubaid’s initial spell, England could once again build a sizeable total. But an early wicket for Pakistan could give the visitors the momentum they desperately need.
Another important battle will be between England’s Josh Tongue and Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique.
Tongue was one of the standout performers in the opening Test, claiming five wickets in Pakistan’s first innings before adding three more in the second. His pace, bounce and ability to extract awkward lift caused significant problems for Pakistan’s batters.
Abdullah Shafique, meanwhile, will be expected to provide Pakistan with a more solid start at Lord’s. Pakistan’s top order struggled to withstand England’s seam attack in Leeds, and Shafique will need to improve his judgement outside the off stump while remaining positive enough to put pressure on the bowlers.
Tongue’s height and bounce could make this an especially challenging matchup. He can attack the top of the off stump while also using the short-ball option to unsettle the opener.
For Shafique, leaving the ball effectively will be crucial. He cannot afford to chase deliveries that are too far away from his body, but he will also need to punish anything loose enough to score from.
England’s strategy will likely be to attack the Pakistan openers with their seamers before introducing other options. If Tongue can remove Shafique early, England could once again find themselves in control of the game from the opening session.
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