The England pace attack exploited the conditions with ruthless efficiency after Pakistan resumed play. While Archer provided the initial spark, the collective effort of the seamers ensured the visitors were never allowed to settle, with Ollie Robinson leading the figures with 4/11, supported by Archer’s 3/26 and Josh Tongue’s 2/27.
Archer's pace and the collapse of the Pakistan batting order
Archer set an aggressive tone during a five-over spell before the lunch interval, which resulted in the crucial breakthrough of Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who was caught behind. Data from CricViz indicated that Archer’s opening burst averaged 90.7 mph, with several deliveries reaching 94 mph. Despite the record-breaking metrics displayed on the stadium speed guns, the 31-year-old remained skeptical of their accuracy, suggesting they were potentially faulty.
Reflecting on the figures, Archer noted that the speeds did not align with his own perception of his rhythm, recalling similar experiences at the venue during the 2019 Ashes. Regardless of the technical readings, the impact on the Pakistan batting lineup was undeniable. Opener Azan Awais provided the only significant resistance with a knock of 46 before falling to Robinson, while Saud Shakeel added 16, as the rest of the order struggled to handle the sustained pressure.
England extend lead as series win beckons
Following the dismissal of Pakistan, England navigated their second innings to reach 81/3 by the close of play. This effort extended their overall lead to 261 runs, putting the team in a strong position despite the threat of rain forecast for the third day. Archer was quick to credit the collaborative nature of the bowling unit, emphasizing that the current attack relies on shared responsibility rather than individual heroics.
The performance marks a significant step for England as they look to secure their first home Test series win in two years. With a healthy cushion and the visitors struggling for momentum, the home side remains the clear favorite to dictate the remainder of the match.
