Babar Azam concedes batting failure after Pakistan's 194-run Lord's defeat

Pakistan captain Babar Azam acknowledged that his team's batting was the key reason behind their 194-run defeat against England in the second Test at Lord's on Sunday. England's victory sealed the series with a match to spare.

Speaking after the loss, Babar said Pakistan opted to bowl first after winning the toss to make use of the conditions, but the batting unit failed to capitalise.

"I think we won the toss and bowled first, and we tried to utilise the conditions. Then, the batting was not up to the mark," Babar said during the post-match presentation. "Second innings again, Abbas was outstanding. Batting again collapsed."

The Pakistan captain praised Saud Shakeel, who scored 97 in the second innings during a 97-run partnership with Shan Masood. "I think Saud showed class and determination. We just followed our plans and tried to build a partnership, but unfortunately we didn't have partnerships," Babar added.

Babar also lauded Mohammed Abbas, who claimed a five-wicket haul in England's second innings. "I think a Lord's five-for is a memorable moment for Abbas," he said.

England's victory and key performances

England bowled out Pakistan for 194 while chasing a target of 389. Ollie Robinson led the attack with match figures of 8/35, including 4/24 on the final day, and was named Player of the Match.

In the first innings, England recovered from 77/4 after Pakistan reduced them to a precarious position. Jordan Cox (55) and Jamie Smith (61) steadied the innings, with lower-order contributions from Gus Atkinson (45) and Josh Tongue (30 not out) helping England post 290. Mohammed Abbas took 4/73 and Mohammed Ali 3/86 for Pakistan, who were then bowled out for 110.

England set Pakistan a target of 389 after scoring 208 in their second innings, with Dan Lawrence top-scoring with 54. Abbas claimed five wickets in that innings, finishing with 9/130 in the match — the second-best bowling figures for Pakistan at Lord's after Yasir Shah's 10/141 in 2016.

Saud Shakeel led Pakistan's chase with 97, hitting two sixes and a boundary in a single over off Josh Tongue before being caught on the boundary. Shan Masood made 26 from 72 balls before being trapped lbw by Robinson, who also dismissed Mohammad Rizwan for 1.

Series context and records

England, under new captain Joe Root and interim coach Marcus Trescothick — who will be replaced by Stephen Fleming next month — secured their first Test series win since December 2024. Joe Root told the BBC: "It does feel good and fully deserved as well. The guys have been excellent."

Robinson has now taken 23 wickets in three Tests at an average of 8, the most recent England bowlers to achieve at least seven wickets in three consecutive matches being Steve Harmison in 2003-04 and Ian Botham in 1984-85. England will aim for a 3-0 sweep in the third Test in Birmingham starting September 9.

Pakistan, meanwhile, suffered their 10th defeat in their last 11 away Tests and have yet to pass 200 in the series. Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq did not bat after tearing his left calf muscle on the first day.