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England and Pakistan will lock horns in the second Test of their three-match series at Lord’s, starting on Thursday, August 27. England currently lead the series 1-0 after producing a dominant performance at Headingley, where they defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs. The hosts’ bowling attack was the biggest difference between the two sides, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claiming five wickets apiece in the first innings and finishing with eight wickets each in the match.
Pakistan will therefore need a significant improvement from their bowlers if they are to level the series. England, meanwhile, will hope their seamers can replicate the relentless pressure they applied in Leeds. With conditions at Lord’s traditionally capable of offering movement and bounce to quality fast bowlers, the battle between the two attacks could once again decide the outcome.
Here are the top 3 bowlers to watch out for in the second Test between England and Pakistan:
Ollie Robinson is the obvious name to watch after his outstanding performance in the first Test.
The right-arm seamer was instrumental in England’s victory at Headingley, claiming five wickets for 51 runs in Pakistan’s first innings. He then added three more wickets in the second innings to finish with eight scalps in the match. His accuracy and ability to extract movement from a good length made him extremely difficult for Pakistan’s batters to handle.
What made Robinson’s performance particularly impressive was that he did not rely on sheer pace. He averaged around 78 mph but repeatedly found the right length, attacking the stumps and forcing Pakistan’s batters to play. He dismissed four of Pakistan’s top five batters without needing assistance from catches behind the wicket, underlining how effective his line and length were.
Lord’s could offer Robinson another ideal setting to operate. The seamer will be particularly important against Pakistan’s top order, especially if Babar Azam returns to the XI. Pakistan’s captain is expected to provide greater resistance than the visitors managed at Headingley, but Robinson’s discipline could make him a major threat.
If England can get another big contribution from Robinson, they will have an excellent chance of taking a 2-0 series lead.
Josh Tongue was equally impressive in the opening Test and will be another major threat at Lord’s.
The tall fast bowler claimed five wickets for 46 runs in Pakistan’s first innings before adding three more in the second innings. His ability to generate steep bounce created uncomfortable moments for Pakistan’s batters throughout the Test.
Tongue provides England with something slightly different from Robinson. While Robinson relies heavily on precision, Tongue’s height and bounce allow him to attack batters from a fuller length while also possessing the option of using the short ball.
That could prove particularly effective against Pakistan’s top order. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq will need to be extremely disciplined against Tongue, particularly if the Lord’s surface offers him enough bounce.
England will also benefit from having Tongue operating alongside Robinson. The two bowlers can create pressure in different ways, making it difficult for Pakistan’s batters to settle. If one end is being controlled by Robinson, Tongue can attack from the other and look for a breakthrough.
Pakistan’s biggest challenge will be ensuring that they do not allow Tongue to settle into a rhythm. Any repeat of his Headingley performance could put England firmly in control once again.
While England’s bowlers dominated the first Test, Mohammad Abbas could be Pakistan’s most important bowler heading into the Lord’s encounter.
The veteran seamer was included in Pakistan’s Test squad as the experienced member of a pace attack that has undergone significant changes in recent years. Unlike the high-profile pace trio Pakistan previously relied upon, Abbas brings a more understated approach based on accuracy, movement and relentless pressure.
That makes him particularly suited to English conditions.
Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to replicate England’s discipline at Headingley, allowing the hosts to score 409 in their only innings. Abbas could help address that problem by bowling a fuller length and repeatedly challenging England’s batters around the off stump.
His battle with England’s top order will be fascinating. Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jordan Cox all enjoyed productive moments in the first Test, and Pakistan need someone capable of stopping those partnerships before they become match-defining.
Abbas also has experience of succeeding at Lord’s. His reputation as a precision-based seamer means he does not necessarily need extravagant movement to be effective. If the ball swings even slightly, his ability to maintain an immaculate line can make him a difficult bowler to score against.
For Pakistan, a strong performance from Abbas could provide the foundation for a much-improved bowling effort.
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