England will face Pakistan in the second Test at Lord’s with a 1-0 series lead after a dominant innings victory at Headingley. Pakistan welcome Babar Azam back into contention, but their fragile batting will face another major test against England’s in-form bowling attack.
Match details
Venue: Lord’s, London
Date: August 27 to 31, 2026
Time: 3:30 PM IST, 3:00 PM PST, 10:00 AM GMT
Team overviews
England enter the second Test with significant momentum after dismantling Pakistan at Headingley. The hosts won by an innings inside three days, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue taking eight wickets each across the match while Jofra Archer also made an impact with three wickets.
Joe Root’s side will now look to seal the series at Lord’s. England’s bowling attack has shown excellent discipline and variety, while their batting lineup has enough experience to take advantage of favourable conditions.
Pakistan have plenty to address after their Headingley collapse. Their second innings lasted only 38 overs, leaving the batting unit under considerable pressure heading into the second Test.
Babar Azam’s return provides Pakistan with an experienced presence in the middle order. However, the rest of the batting lineup must provide greater resistance if Pakistan are to challenge England over five days.
Key players
Harry Brook: Brook impressed in the opening Test and will enter the second match with considerable confidence. His aggressive approach can put pressure on Pakistan’s bowlers once he gets settled.
Babar Azam: Babar’s return could be crucial for Pakistan. His ability to occupy the crease for long periods gives the visitors an important source of stability in a vulnerable batting order.
Josh Tongue: Tongue was one of England’s standout performers at Headingley. His ability to generate movement and consistently challenge the batters makes him one of Pakistan’s biggest threats.
Ollie Robinson: Robinson shared 16 wickets with Tongue in the first Test and will again be expected to exploit the conditions at Lord’s.
Head-to-head record
England have strengthened their advantage in the Test rivalry following their Headingley victory.
- Matches played: 93
- England wins: 31
- Pakistan wins: 23
- Draws: 39
At home, England have won 25 of their Tests against Pakistan, while Pakistan have recorded six victories in England.
Pitch report
Lord’s traditionally offers assistance to seamers early in the match, particularly when conditions remain overcast. The average first-innings score at the venue is 308, while the average fourth-innings score falls significantly to 159.
Batting should become more difficult as the match progresses. The team batting first will therefore want to establish a strong total before the pitch deteriorates.
The venue has historically produced more victories for teams batting first, although bowlers have also enjoyed considerable success. England’s seam attack could benefit significantly from the early conditions.
Probable match scenarios
Scenario 1: England bat first
England will look to establish a substantial first-innings total and put Pakistan under immediate scoreboard pressure. Brook, Root and the middle order could determine how far the hosts extend their advantage.
Scenario 2: Pakistan bat first
Pakistan’s priority will be to survive the opening spell and avoid another early collapse. Babar’s presence could provide stability, but the rest of the top and middle order will need to support him.
Probable playing XIs
England
- Ben Duckett
- Emilio Gay
- Jordan Cox
- Joe Root (Captain)
- Harry Brook
- Dan Lawrence
- Jamie Smith (Wicketkeeper)
- Gus Atkinson
- Jofra Archer
- Ollie Robinson
- Josh Tongue
Pakistan
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Shan Masood
- Azan Awais
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
- Aamer Jamal
- Sajid Khan
- Mohammad Abbas
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Ali
Live streaming and broadcast
India: Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.
Pakistan: The supplied information does not specify an official broadcaster or streaming platform.
UK: The supplied information does not specify an official UK broadcaster or streaming platform.
Australia: The supplied information does not specify an official Australian broadcaster or streaming platform.
Global: Viewers should check their local cricket broadcast rights holder for official coverage.
Match prediction
Pakistan’s best chance of changing the momentum of the series comes through their bowling attack and Babar Azam’s return. Mohammad Abbas could become particularly dangerous if Lord’s provides early movement, while Pakistan’s spinners may have a role as the match progresses.
However, England currently possess a significant advantage. Their bowlers dominated at Headingley, their batting has greater depth, and home conditions should once again suit their seam attack. Babar’s return strengthens Pakistan, but he cannot be expected to solve the team’s batting problems alone.
England’s greater consistency and bowling depth make them the stronger side heading into the second Test. Prediction: England to win and take an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
