Rain delays second Test as England aim to seal series at Lord's

The toss for the second Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's is scheduled for 11.30am on Thursday, 27 August 2026, following rain. The delay in the start of play has set the stage for a match where the England team, currently leading the three-match series 1-0, are targeting a decisive series win.

England secured a commanding position in the series following an innings-and-103-run victory at Headingley in the first Test. That performance has placed significant pressure on Pakistan, who must now respond strongly at Lord's to keep their hopes of a series revival alive.

The build-up to the match has been heavily influenced by off-field developments involving fast bowler Brydon Carse. Carse was withdrawn from the England squad after a nightclub incident in Derby, which saw him handcuffed while celebrating Durham’s County Championship victory. Sonny Baker has been named as his replacement for the second Test.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Cricket Regulator are currently investigating the incident. While Carse was reportedly released without charge, the procedural investigation effectively sidelined the 31-year-old from international duty pending an outcome. This development has added a layer of institutional scrutiny to the sporting contest.

According to Sky Sports, the match is being covered live, although their live blog feed was noted as temporarily unavailable at the time of reporting. The broadcast highlights the high stakes of the encounter as both teams prepare for the toss.

With the series already in England's favour, the focus now shifts to the on-field performance at Lord's. The rain-affected schedule may impact the early stages of play, but the primary objective for Joe Root's side remains a comprehensive series victory.