Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas has acknowledged growing concern over the team’s prolonged struggles after England handed the visitors a crushing 194-run defeat in the second Test at Lord’s to clinch the three-match series. Pakistan were bowled out for 194 while chasing 389, giving England an unassailable 2-0 lead. The defeat was Pakistan’s 10th in their last 11 away Tests and left them at the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Problems across departments
Abbas conceded that Pakistan’s problems were not confined to one area, saying the team had failed to perform consistently with the bat, ball and in the field.
“Our performance is a concern for everyone. Everyone is worried, including the selection committee and the NCA,” Abbas said after the defeat.
The experienced seamer admitted Pakistan were falling short of expectations and said the players regularly discussed their shortcomings during team meetings.
Fielding emerged as a particular concern at Lord’s. Pakistan squandered several opportunities, allowing England’s batters to add valuable runs after being given reprieves.
Abbas felt those mistakes proved decisive, pointing out that England’s key batters were able to add around 70 runs after dropped chances. Pakistan had England under pressure during different phases of the match but repeatedly failed to capitalise.
Abbas shines despite defeat
The result overshadowed an outstanding individual performance from Abbas, who claimed nine wickets in the Test. His five-wicket haul in England’s second innings earned him a place on the Lord’s honours board.
The veteran, however, said personal achievements offered little satisfaction when they did not contribute to victories for Pakistan.
Abbas also highlighted the relative inexperience of Pakistan’s pace attack. While he has played 32 Tests, Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad remain comparatively new to international red-ball cricket.
He stressed that experience was particularly important in Test cricket, with bowlers needing time to understand different conditions and develop effective partnerships.
Pakistan’s batting was again exposed at Lord’s. After being dismissed for just 110 in the first innings, the visitors collapsed during their pursuit of 389 despite Saud Shakeel’s fighting 97 and his 97-run partnership with Shan Masood.
England eventually dismissed Pakistan for 194, with Ollie Robinson playing a central role in another commanding victory.
Pakistan will now look to avoid a series whitewash when the third and final Test begins at Edgbaston on September 9.