England vs Pakistan Second Test: Betting Preview & Prediction

England will look to wrap up the series when they face Pakistan in the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday, 27 August. Joe Root’s second spell as Test captain could hardly have started better. England demolished Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley, completing the victory inside three days to establish a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

ALSO READ: Why Stephen Fleming Is The Perfect Appointment For England’s Test Team.

Pakistan therefore arrive in London under significant pressure. Their batting line-up was dismissed for just 171 and 135 in Leeds, while England piled up 409 in their only innings.

With England’s seamers dominating the opening Test and Lord’s traditionally providing opportunities for fast bowlers, the hosts understandably enter Thursday’s contest as strong favourites.

Betting Preview

England’s victory at Headingley was comprehensive enough to make them difficult to oppose in the second Test.

Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings as Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson claimed five wickets each. England then responded with 409, establishing a commanding 238-run lead before dismissing the tourists for 135 to complete the innings victory.

Harry Brook was England’s leading scorer with 91, while Jordan Cox made 72, Joe Root contributed 66, and Dan Lawrence added 51. That depth meant England could build a substantial total without anyone reaching three figures.

Robinson was particularly influential, finishing with eight wickets in the match and earning Player of the Match honours. Tongue also enjoyed an excellent game, while Jofra Archer claimed three second-innings wickets.

England have been forced into one squad change for Lord’s. Brydon Carse is unavailable, with Sonny Baker added to the 16-player squad. Root nevertheless retains a formidable collection of pace options including Archer, Robinson, Tongue, Gus Atkinson and Sam Cook.

Pakistan’s biggest concern is clearly their batting.

Abdullah Shafique’s 61 was their only half-century at Headingley, while Mohammad Rizwan’s second-innings 41 represented one of the few examples of meaningful resistance. Pakistan need significantly more from their top and middle order if they are to prevent England’s seamers taking control again.

Given the gulf between the teams at Headingley, another England victory remains the most logical starting point.

Key Statistics

• England lead the three-match series 1-0 after winning the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs.
  
• Pakistan were dismissed for 171 and 135 at Headingley, scoring only 306 runs across their two innings.
  
• Ollie Robinson took eight wickets in the first Test, including 5/51 in Pakistan’s first innings, and was named Player of the Match.
  
• Josh Tongue took eight wickets across the match, including 5/46 in the first innings.
  
• Harry Brook scored 91 from 111 balls at Headingley, the highest individual score of the match.
  
• Four England batters passed 50 in their first innings, with Brook, Jordan Cox, Root and Lawrence all reaching half-centuries.
  
• England are currently seventh in the World Test Championship standings, while Pakistan sit ninth.

Best Bets & Prediction

Prediction: England to win at 1.36.

Best Bet: Harry Brook over 34.5 first-innings runs at 1.80.

Value Bet: Ollie Robinson to be England’s top first innings bowler at 2.85.