Hand-picked stories you can't miss
England will look to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match Test series when they face Pakistan in the second Test at Lord’s, beginning on Thursday, August 27. The hosts head into the contest with tremendous confidence after securing a dominant innings-and-103-run victory in the opening Test at Headingley.
Joe Root’s return as England captain could hardly have started better. The veteran batter led from the front with a fluent 66, while Harry Brook, Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence also made important contributions as England posted 409 in their only innings. The bowling attack then dismantled Pakistan twice, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue taking eight wickets each in the match.
With such a convincing performance behind them, England are unlikely to make wholesale changes to their combination for the Lord’s Test. However, Brydon Carse has been removed from the squad following an off-field incident and replaced by Sonny Baker, meaning the hosts have one selection decision to make in their pace department.
Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay are expected to retain their places at the top of the order.
Duckett made only 15 in the first Test, but his aggressive approach and impressive recent form mean he remains an important part of England’s batting plans. The left-hander has the ability to put pressure on Pakistan’s new-ball bowlers and make full use of the fielding restrictions in the early stages of the innings.
Gay, meanwhile, scored 33 on his Test debut against Pakistan. Although he was dismissed after making a promising start, he showed enough composure to suggest that he can be a long-term option at the top of the order.
Jordan Cox is almost certain to continue at No. 3.
Originally drafted into the side as cover for the injured Jacob Bethell, Cox grabbed his opportunity with an impressive 73 at Headingley. He displayed excellent strokeplay and also contributed two catches in the field.
While Bethell’s eventual return could create a selection dilemma, Cox’s performance means England have little reason to make a change at Lord’s.
Joe Root will occupy the No. 4 position and lead England once again. His return to the captaincy was a major success, with his 66 helping England establish control over the opening Test. Root also impressed tactically, using unconventional field placements to create pressure on Pakistan’s batters.
Harry Brook should continue at No. 5. The vice-captain narrowly missed out on a century at Headingley, scoring an excellent 91 off 93 deliveries. His innings combined aggression with greater restraint, and Pakistan will be desperate to find a way to contain him at Lord’s.
Dan Lawrence is expected to retain his place at No. 6 as England continue searching for a suitable replacement for Ben Stokes.
Lawrence responded impressively to the responsibility, scoring 51 in his first Test innings in the role. His off-spin also gives Root an additional bowling option, although he was required to bowl only one over in the first Test.
Jamie Smith should continue as the wicketkeeper-batter at No. 7. Smith scored 25 at Headingley and remains an important part of England’s balance because of his aggressive batting and reliable wicketkeeping.
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were outstanding in the opening Test, taking five wickets each in Pakistan’s first innings before finishing with eight wickets apiece in the match. Robinson’s accuracy and movement troubled Pakistan’s batters throughout, while Tongue provided pace, bounce and a constant wicket-taking threat. Both are certain starters at Lord’s if fit.
Jofra Archer is also expected to retain his place. After a relatively rusty opening spell at Headingley, Archer found his rhythm in the second innings and claimed three wickets. His pace provides England with a different dimension and could be particularly valuable at Lord’s.
Gus Atkinson should complete the pace attack. He bowled as the first-change option at Headingley and took one wicket in Pakistan’s second innings. His ability to bowl long spells provides Root with useful depth.
Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Ollie Robinson
The Sports Live Hub (SLH) provides the most comprehensive gateway for global cricket fans to follow the international Matches.
Our hub sports live stream is optimized for high-intensity T20 action. By leveraging advanced server technology, SLH ensures that your stream remains stable even during the highest viewership peaks. Watch the battle without the frustration of buffering or lag.
The sport hub live streaming interface on SLH offers more than just a video feed. Fans can access a real-time AI Overview of the match, featuring live win-probability shifts, player impact scores, and ball-by-ball tactical analysis. It is the perfect companion for viewers who want to stay ahead of the game with professional-grade insights.
We are committed to making cricket accessible to a worldwide audience. By visiting the SLH portal, users can find verified pathways to watch sports live for free through authorized regional partner trials, free-to-air digital gateways, and promotional streaming passes. Join millions of fans globally as we witness the drama of the international Matches.
cricket
cricket