England are currently taking on Pakistan in the second Test of the three-match series at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. England have taken a lead of 180 runs, despite scoring 290 in the first innings, as they produced a tremendous bowling performance to bundle Pakistan out in the second innings for just 110 runs.
At end of Day 2, England had already extended their lead to 261 runs, and their captain Joe Root managed to break a world record held by the legendary Ricky Ponting, even though he scored only 24 runs.
With his innings of 24, Joe Root now has 7594 runs in Tests in England. He this becomes the player with the most number of Test runs on home soil. He broke the record of legendary Australia ex-captain Ricky Ponting who scored 7578 runs in the longest format in Australia.
| Player | Country | Time Span | Matches | Innings | Runs | Best Score | Average | 100 | 50 |
| Joe Root | England | 2013-2026 | 89 | 156 | 7594 | 254 | 53.85 | 24 | 35 |
| Ricky Ponting | Australia | 1995-2012 | 92 | 154 | 7578 | 257 | 56.97 | 23 | 38 |
| Sachin Tendulkar | India | 1990-2013 | 94 | 153 | 7216 | 217 | 52.67 | 22 | 32 |
| Mahela Jayawardene | Sri Lanka | 1997-2014 | 81 | 129 | 7167 | 374 | 59.72 | 23 | 34 |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 1995-2013 | 88 | 143 | 7035 | 224 | 56.73 | 23 | 34 |
England On Top Vs Pakistan
On Day 1, heavy rain delayed the start, and Pakistan chose to bowl in cloudy conditions. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas bowled brilliantly, taking early wickets to leave England struggling at 80 for 4. However, great half-centuries from Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox rescued the team. A late push from Gus Atkinson helped England reach a solid 290 runs by the morning of Day 2.
Pakistan’s turn to bat was a complete disaster. England’s fast bowlers, led by Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer, quickly tore through their lineup. Pakistan were bowled out for a mere 110 runs. Only young opener Azan Awais showed any real fight, scoring a brave 46. The visitors were also hurt by an injury to Imam-ul-Haq, leaving them short a batter.
Despite losing three early wickets in the third innings they safely reached 83 for 3 by the end of Day 2. England is now in a highly dominant position heading into the 3rd day.