England v Pakistan Test Series 2026.

[andy]

FFS! Lawrence run out! Drinks break brings a wicket!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Runs have dried up. Under bowling dry theory, that means a wicket is due.

[Arthur Crabtree]

There it is!

[sussexpob]

At test match level you don't expect players to tear off for a risky single without any communication whatsoever. Idiotic cricket from Lawrence, Cox had no interest in going for it and singled so, what is doing haring off like that...

[sussexpob]

England have scored 12 runs in the last 10 overs. Something almost unfathomable for modern English cricket, and which I must guess hasn't happened in years.

Running to the danger has turned into running away from the danger....

[andy]

Edge through slip off Usman! You feel Pakistan need a 5th bowler from somewhere...do they have any all rounders? Jamal probably the closest but don't want him batting 7 in england

[andy]

Cox moves onto 48 batting really well looks as though he belongs

[andy]

50 for Cox!

Rizwan makes a mess of a chance off smith

[Arthur Crabtree]

Biggest partnership of the innings so far, from Cox and Smith.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Off for the light now, so unlikely there will be more play. Hard to know who had the better day, but my guess is England will be fairly happy, with runs down the order from Smith and Acko.

[andy]

248-9 yes nice bowling conditions but still well under par you would think

[Arthur Crabtree]

Can play until 19.30.

[andy]

Doubtful they will though

[Arthur Crabtree]

Stumps. Interesting day.

The unreliable forecast looks better tomorrow.

[alfie]

Weather rather messed with that first day. Understand it looks better today though - which might be good for Pakistan's batmen though I suspect there will still be plenty of help for the bowlers.

Actually reckon 250 approx is quite decent for yesterday given the conditions. If Pakistan could hold their catches - or had a fourth seamer - they would almost certainly have been out for considerably less so can be pleased to be in the position they are.

Useful runs from Smith , with some fine strokes after a dodgy start ; and notably Cox continues to impress. The caveat is "only Pakistan" but he looks like he belongs at this level : certainly in terms of temperament . No doubt better attacks will test his technical ability but for a first couple of matches you couldn't really ask for much more. Question marks around Gay aren't going away though.

Was very happy with the bowling group in the first game (once the Hundred players got warmed up) so looking forward to seeing whether they can put in another good performance today.