Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 is set to be played from 27 to 31 August at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London as part of Pakistan three match Test tour of England. The match will be an important part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 with both teams looking to build momentum in the series.
The second Test will come after the opening match at Headingley, while the final Test is scheduled for 9–13 September at Edgbaston Birmingham. Pakistan 17-member England Test squad has already been announced while England have also named their squad for the first two Tests.
With Lord’s offering a different challenge from Headingley, team selection, bowling combinations weather and batting form could all play an important role. Pakistan teams will also be closely watching the fitness and availability of Babar Azam, who is standing out of the first Test because of a hand injury.
In this preview, we will cover everything you need to know about the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test, including the date, start time, Lord’s venue, squads expected playing XI key players pitch conditions, series context and the major battles that could decide the match.
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026: Everything You Need to Know Before the Lord’s Battle:
The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 will take place at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London from 27 to 31 August. It is the second match of the three Test series, with the action scheduled to begin at 11:00 AM local time.
The Lord’s Test could become a crucial point in the series, especially after the opening Test at Headingley. England team entering a new phase under the return of Joe Root as Test captain, while Pakistan will be looking to make the most of their experienced squad and adapt quickly to conditions in London.
There will be plenty to watch beyond the basic scorecard, including the final playing XIs, key player battles, conditions at Lord’s and the fitness situation surrounding Pakistan’s senior players. The result could also shape the momentum heading into the third Test at Edgbaston from 9–13 September.
In this guide, we cover the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test date, time, venue, squads, expected playing XI, key players, pitch conditions, series context and everything else fans need to know before the Lord’s battle.
When Is Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026? Full Date, Start Time & Match Schedule
The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 will begin on Thursday, 27 August 2026, at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. The five day Test is scheduled to run from 27 to 31 August, with each day’s play starting at 11:00 AM local time in England.
For fans in Pakistan, the match will start at 3:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PKT). The second Test comes just four days after the scheduled end of the opening Test at Headingley, making the transition from Leeds to London a quick one for both teams.
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 Schedule
| Match Detail | Information |
| --- | --- |
| Match | Pakistan vs England, 2nd Test |
| Date | 27–31 August 2026 |
| Day | Thursday to Monday |
| Venue | Lord’s Cricket Ground, London |
| Start Time | 11:00 AM BST |
| Pakistan Time | 3:00 PM PKT |
| Format | Test Cricket |
| Series | Pakistan tour of England 2026 |
The second Test is part of a three-match Test series, with the first Test at Headingley from 19–23 August and the final Test at Edgbaston from 9–13 September.
Full Five-Day Match Schedule
- Day 1: Thursday, 27 August
- Day 2: Friday, 28 August
- Day 3: Saturday, 29 August
- Day 4: Sunday, 30 August
- Day 5: Monday, 31 August
The 11:00 AM BST start is especially important because early morning conditions at Lord’s can offer movement for fast bowlers. Pakistan’s batters will therefore need to handle England’s new ball attack carefully, while England’s top order will face a different challenge from Pakistan’s seamers and spinners.
Where Is Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 Being Played? Lord’s Venue & Ground Guide
The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 will be played at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, with the match scheduled from 27 to 31 August 2026. The venue is widely known as the Home of Cricket and is owned by the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Lord’s will provide a very different setting for the second Test after the opening match at Headingley. Pakistan will return to the ground for a men’s Test against England for the first time since 2018, adding extra significance to the fixture.
Lord’s Cricket Ground: The Home of Cricket
Lord’s is one of the most historic venues in international cricket. In June 2026, it hosted its 150th men's Test, becoming the first ground in the world to reach that milestone. The venue's famous Honours Boards also record some of Test cricket's greatest individual performances.
For Pakistan and England, playing at Lord’s is about more than simply moving to another ground. The venue has its own character, history and playing conditions, making the second Test an important examination of how both teams adapt.
Lord’s Venue Details for Pakistan vs England 2nd Test
| Detail | Information |
| --- | --- |
| Venue | Lord’s Cricket Ground |
| Location | London, England |
| Address | St John’s Wood Road, London NW8 8QN |
| Known As | Home of Cricket |
| Match | England vs Pakistan, 2nd Test |
| Dates | 27–31 August 2026 |
| Format | Test Cricket |
| Owner | Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) |
Lord’s officially lists the England vs Pakistan Test for Thursday, 27 August through Monday, 31 August, with play scheduled from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on match days.
Why Lord’s Could Make the 2nd Test Different
Conditions at Lord’s could have a major influence on the match, particularly during the early stages of an innings. The combination of the English weather and a fresh Test pitch can make seam and swing bowling especially important with the new ball.
That makes the opening sessions particularly interesting for Pakistan's top order. England's fast bowlers will be familiar with the conditions, but Pakistan's own seam attack could also cause problems if the ball moves in the air or off the surface.
The teams will also have to manage the short turnaround between the first and second Tests. Player fitness, bowling workloads and selection decisions could become just as important as the conditions themselves.
A Historic Lord’s Return for Pakistan
The 2026 match marks Pakistan's first men's Test at Lord’s against England since 2018. That long gap gives the fixture an added storyline, particularly for players who have never experienced a Test at the famous London venue.
Lord’s has hosted some of the most memorable moments in Test cricket, and its Honours Boards preserve performances from legends such as Don Bradman, Graham Gooch and Bob Massie. More recently, Ben Stokes and James Anderson have also added their names to the venue's history.
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 Schedule: Five Days of Test Cricket at Lord’s Explained
The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 is scheduled for 27–31 August at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London. It is the second match of the three Test series and will be played over five scheduled days, with the action starting at 11:00 AM local time in England.
For Pakistani fans, the scheduled start time is 3:00 PM PKT, making the Lord’s Test an afternoon viewing option in Pakistan. The match follows the opening Test at Headingley and comes before the series finale at Edgbaston from 9–13 September.
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026 Full Schedule
| Day | Date | enue | Start Time (UK) | Pakistan Time |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Day 1 | Thursday, 27 August | Lord’s, London | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Day 2 | Friday, 28 August | Lord’s, London | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Day 3 | Saturday, 29 August | Lord’s, London | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Day 4 | Sunday, 30 August | Lord’s, London | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
| Day 5 | Monday, 31 August | Lord’s, London | 11:00 AM | 3:00 PM |
The scheduled five day window does not necessarily mean the Test will last all five days. A result can come earlier if one side secures victory, while rain or other interruptions could reduce the amount of play completed.
How the 2026 Test Series Schedule Looks
The second Test sits at the centre of Pakistan England tour. The first Test is scheduled for 19–23 August at Headingley in Leeds, followed by the Lord’s Test from 27–31 August. The teams then move to Birmingham for the third and final Test at Edgbaston from 9–13 September.
This makes the Lord’s match particularly important for the series momentum. By the time Pakistan and England arrive in London, both teams will already have a clearer idea of their opponents' strengths, weaknesses and preferred combinations.
Why the Lord’s Test Could Be a Turning Point
The second Test will also give both sides an opportunity to make selection changes based on what happens at Headingley. Fast bowling workloads, batting form and the conditions at Lord’s could all influence the final playing XIs.
For Pakistan, adapting quickly to English conditions will be important, particularly against England's pace attack. England, meanwhile, will have the advantage of playing at a familiar home venue where their bowlers and batters understand the conditions well.
With the series forming part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, the Lord’s Test is more than just the middle match of a three game series. The result can have an important impact on both teams' position and momentum in the championship cycle.
For Pakistan, the challenge will be to turn that famous setting into a strong performance. For England, home knowledge and familiarity with Lord’s conditions could provide an important advantage in the second Test.
Pakistan Squad for 2nd Test vs England: Babar, Masood, Rizwan & Key Players to Watch
Pakistan have named a 17-member Test squad for their 2026 tour of England, giving the team a mix of experienced batters, wicketkeeping options, pace bowlers and spin resources for the three match series. The squad was announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board before the tour, while any changes for the Lord’s Test will depend on fitness, form and the outcome of the opening match.
Pakistan Test Squad for England Tour 2026
| Player | Role |
| --- | --- |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
| Shan Masood | Batter |
| Abdullah Shafique | Batter |
| Imam-ul-Haq | Batter |
| Saud Shakeel | Batter |
| Salman Ali Agha | All rounder |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper batter |
| Aamir Jamal | All rounder |
| Azan Awais | Batter |
| Ali Usman | Bowler |
| Khurram Shahzad | Fast bowler |
| Mohammad Abbas | Fast bowler |
| Mohammad Ali | Fast bowler |
| Muhammad Awais Zafar | Bowler |
| Muhammad Ghazi Ghori | Bowler |
| Sajid Khan | Spinner |
| Ubaid Shah | Fast bowler |
The squad gives Pakistan several options for English conditions, particularly in the pace department. Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad and Ubaid Shah provide different fast bowling options, while Sajid Khan gives the team a specialist spin option.
Babar Azam's Availability Adds a Major Selection Question
One of the biggest talking points ahead of the second Test is Babar Azam's fitness. Babar was ruled out of the opening Test at Headingley because of a hand injury, with Salman Ali Agha named as the stand-in captain. The PCB confirmed that Babar would miss the Leeds Test, meaning his availability for Lord’s remains an important selection issue rather than something that should be treated as confirmed.
If Babar is fit to return, his presence would add considerable experience to Pakistan's middle order. If he remains unavailable, Pakistan will again have to build their batting and leadership combination around the players available for the Lord’s Test.
Shan Masood and Mohammad Rizwan Carry Important Roles
Shan Masood is another important name in Pakistan's batting group. His experience at the top of the order could be particularly valuable against England's new ball attack, where surviving the early movement will be one of Pakistan's biggest challenges.
Behind the stumps, Mohammad Rizwan remains a key part of the side. His wicketkeeping, communication with the bowlers and ability to stay at the crease for long periods could all become important during a Test at Lord’s.
Pakistan's Bowling Options Could Shape the Lord’s Test
England conditions traditionally make fast bowling an important part of Test cricket, so Pakistan's pace options will be closely watched.
Mohammad Abbas brings experience and accuracy, while Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shahzad offer further seam bowling options. Ubaid Shah provides another young pace option, giving Pakistan flexibility when selecting their final XI.
The main selection question will be whether Pakistan choose a heavier pace attack or include Sajid Khan as the specialist spinner. That decision could depend heavily on the Lord’s pitch and weather conditions closer to the match.
Which Pakistan Players Should Fans Watch at Lord’s?
The biggest names to watch will include Babar Azam, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas. Each could have a different role in determining Pakistan's performance.
However, the final Pakistan playing XI for the 2nd Test should not be confused with the 17-member squad. The squad confirms the players available for selection; the final XI will only be known when Pakistan announce their team before the Lord’s Test.
For now, Babar Azam's fitness, the performance of Pakistan's top order in the first Test and the conditions at Lord’s are likely to be the biggest factors behind the final selection.
England Squad for 2nd Test vs Pakistan: Root, Brook, Archer & Other Key Names Selected
England have named a 16-player squad for the first two Tests against Pakistan, which means the same squad is currently available for the 2nd Test at Lord’s from 27–31 August 2026. The squad combines experienced Test players with several players looking to make an impact in their early international careers.
England Test Squad for Pakistan Series 2026
| Player | Role |
| --- | --- |
| Joe Root (Captain) | Batter |
| Jofra Archer | Fast bowler |
| Gus Atkinson | Fast bowler |
| Shoaib Bashir | Spinner |
| Harry Brook | Batter |
| Brydon Carse | Fast bowler / All-rounder |
| Sam Cook | Fast bowler |
| Jordan Cox | Batter |
| Ben Duckett | Batter |
| Matthew Fisher | Fast bowler |
| Emilio Gay | Batter |
| Dan Lawrence | Batter |
| Ollie Pope | Batter |
| Ollie Robinson | Fast bowler |
| Jamie Smith | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Josh Tongue | Fast bowler |
The squad was announced on 6 August, with Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Brydon Carse and Sam Cook returning to the Test setup. England also confirmed that Joe Root would captain the side, while Jordan Cox was selected to bat at No. 3 following an injury to Jacob Bethell.
Joe Root Leads England Into the Lord’s Test
One of the biggest stories around England's squad is the return of Joe Root as permanent Test captain. Root is leading England again for the first time since 2022, giving the team one of the most experienced Test batters in the game at the centre of its leadership group.
His presence could be particularly important at Lord’s, where experience and the ability to handle changing conditions can make a major difference across five days.
Harry Brook Remains a Major Batting Threat
Harry Brook is another player Pakistan's bowlers will have to plan for carefully. The right-handed batter provides England with an aggressive option in the middle order and can change the momentum of an innings quickly.
Alongside Root, Brook gives England a strong combination of experience and attacking intent in the middle order.
Jofra Archer Leads England's Pace Options
England's bowling group contains several different pace options, with Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook and Matthew Fisher all included.
Archer's pace could be particularly interesting at Lord’s, while Robinson and Tongue have already shown their value in the opening Test. In fact, both Robinson and Tongue took five wickets in Pakistan's first innings at Headingley, underlining the strength of England's seam attack at the start of the series.
Jordan Cox Gets an Important Opportunity
Jordan Cox has been given a clear role in England's new look batting order. The ECB confirmed that he would bat at No. 3, replacing the injured Jacob Bethell. Cox made his Test debut earlier in 2026 and is now being given an opportunity to establish himself in the top order.
His performance at Lord’s could therefore be one of the key selection stories of the second Test.
Dan Lawrence Returns to the England Test Squad
Dan Lawrence has also returned after an absence of two years from Test cricket. The ECB highlighted his strong County Championship form, with Lawrence entering the Pakistan series as one of the leading run scorers in Division One. He is expected to bat at No. 6, giving England another experienced option in the middle order.
Who Could Make England's Final Playing XI at Lord’s?
Although the 16 member squad has been confirmed, the final England Playing XI for the 2nd Test has not yet been announced. The selection will depend on performances in the first Test, player fitness and the conditions at Lord’s.
The biggest selection questions could revolve around England's pace combination and whether they prefer an additional seamer or spinner alongside Shoaib Bashir.
For Pakistan, the key challenge will be dealing with England's combination of Root and Brook in the batting order and Archer, Robinson, Tongue and the other seamers with the ball. With the second Test being played at Lord’s, England's familiarity with home conditions could make this squad particularly dangerous.
Pakistan Playing XI: Who Could Make the Final Team for the Lord’s Test?
Pakistan’s confirmed Playing XI for the 2nd Test is not available yet, so it would be better to present this as an expected XI rather than a confirmed team. The first Test XI gives us the clearest starting point, while Babar Azam’s fitness and the conditions at Lord’s could lead to changes. Pakistan first Test XI included Azan Awais, Imam ul Haq, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.
Pakistan Expected Playing XI for 2nd Test
- Azan Awais – Opener
- Imam-ul-Haq – Opener
- Shan Masood – Top order batter
- Abdullah Shafique – Batter
- Saud Shakeel – Batter
- Salman Ali Agha – All rounder
- Mohammad Rizwan – Wicketkeeper batter
- Aamer Jamal – All rounder
- Mohammad Abbas – Fast bowler
- Mohammad Ali – Fast bowler
- Khurram Shahzad – Fast bowler
If Babar is cleared to play, he would almost certainly become one of the most important selection decisions for Pakistan. His return could force a reshuffle in the top or middle order rather than simply replacing one player directly.
Another selection point is the bowling combination. Pakistan could consider Sajid Khan or Ubaid Shah depending on the Lord’s surface, weather and what happens in the first Test.
England Playing XI: Who Could Start Against Pakistan at Lord’s?
England’s first Test XI already gives a strong indication of their likely combination for Lord’s. Their opening XI featured Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith, Ollie Robinson, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue.
England also named a 16 player squad for the first two Tests, including Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Matthew Fisher, Ollie Pope and Shoaib Bashir as additional selection options.
England Expected Playing XI for 2nd Test
- Ben Duckett – Opener
- Emilio Gay – Opener
- Jordan Cox – Batter
- Joe Root (c) – Batter
- Harry Brook – Batter
- Dan Lawrence – Batter
- Jamie Smith – Wicketkeeper batter
- Ollie Robinson – Fast bowler
- Gus Atkinson – Fast bowler
- Jofra Archer – Fast bowler
- Josh Tongue – Fast bowler
That performance could make it difficult for England to make major changes to their bowling unit for Lord’s.
Will England Change Their XI at Lord’s?
The main alternatives are Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Matthew Fisher and Shoaib Bashir. England could change the balance depending on the Lord’s pitch and the workload of their fast bowlers.
For now, the XI above should be labelled “Expected Playing XI”, not “Confirmed Playing XI.” The final teams will only be known when both captains announce their XIs at the toss.
For the article, this distinction is important: it keeps the content accurate while still targeting searches such as Pakistan Playing XI vs England, England Playing XI vs Pakistan, PAK vs ENG Playing XI and Pakistan vs England 2nd Test Playing XI.
Lord’s Weather During Pakistan vs England 2nd Test: Rain, Cloud Cover & Conditions to Watch
Weather could become an important factor when Pakistan and England meet at Lord’s from 27 to 31 August 2026. The Test is still more than a week away, so a reliable day by day forecast is not available yet. Detailed forecasts for London will become much more useful closer to the match, especially during the final few days before the first ball. The fixture itself is confirmed for Lord’s across those five days.
That does not mean weather can be ignored. At Lord’s, cloud cover, humidity, wind and rain interruptions can all influence how a Test develops. For Pakistan, understanding these conditions will be particularly important because England's seamers can become dangerous when the ball moves through the air and off the surface.
Could Rain Affect the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test?
Rain is always a possibility during an English summer Test, but it is too early to say whether rain will interrupt the Lord’s Test. Any claim about specific rain chances for 27–31 August at this stage would be unreliable.
The better approach is to update this section when the match gets closer with:
- Rain probability for each day
- Expected temperature
- Cloud cover
- Wind speed and direction
- Humidity
- Possible delays or shortened sessions
This is also why the weather section should be updated shortly before the match, rather than treating an early forecast as final.
Why Cloud Cover Could Help England’s Fast Bowlers
If Lord’s has cloudy and humid conditions, the new ball could become an important weapon. Swing and seam movement can make life difficult for batters, particularly during the opening session when the ball is still relatively new.
England pace attack has several bowlers capable of exploiting those conditions. Their first Test performance also showed how dangerous their seamers can be, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both taking five wickets against Pakistan at Headingley.
For Pakistan's top order, the challenge will be to avoid early wickets and allow the innings to settle before playing more freely.
What If Lord’s Gets Hot and Dry?
Different weather could change the balance.
Pakistan batter Saud Shakeel recently suggested that hotter English conditions could benefit Pakistan, particularly by creating conditions where spin becomes more effective later in the match.
That makes the weather more than a simple rain concern. The combination of temperature, moisture and pitch deterioration could influence whether the captains prefer an extra seamer or spinner in their final XIs.
Weather Conditions to Watch During Each Day
As the match approaches, these will be the most important weather factors:
| Weather Factor | Possible Impact |
| --- | --- |
| Cloud cover | Could increase swing and seam movement |
| Rain | May cause delays or reduce playing time |
| Humidity | Can support swing bowling |
| Wind | May influence swing and bowling conditions |
| Warm, dry weather | Could make batting easier and help the pitch dry |
| Changing conditions | May force captains to adjust bowling and selection plans |
Pakistan vs England 2nd Test Prediction: Who Has the Edge at Lord’s and Why?
The Pakistan vs England 2nd Test at Lord’s looks like a closely contested battle, but England could enter the match with a slight advantage because of home conditions, a strong pace attack and familiarity with Lord’s. However, Pakistan have enough experience and bowling quality to make the contest competitive, particularly if their top order handles England’s new-ball threat.
The biggest factor before making a prediction is the result and performance in the first Test at Headingley. Form, injuries and the final playing XIs could significantly change the balance before the Lord’s Test begins.
How the 2nd Test Could Change the Pakistan vs England Series and Set Up the Final Match
The second Test at Lord’s from 27 to 31 August 2026 could become the turning point of the Pakistan vs England series. With three Tests scheduled in total, the result at Lord’s will have a direct impact on the series equation before both teams travel to Edgbaston for the final Test from 9 to 13 September. The series is also part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27, adding further importance to every match.
A Win at Lord’s Could Put One Team in Control
If either Pakistan or England wins the Lord’s Test, that team would gain a major advantage going into the final match.
A 2–0 series lead would leave the winning side with the series already secured, while the team behind would have only the third Test left to avoid a clean sweep. A 1–1 series score, on the other hand, would make the Edgbaston Test a genuine series decider.
That makes the Lord’s result especially important. It is not simply another match in the schedule; it could determine whether the final Test is played for a series victory or mainly to avoid defeat.
FAQs
When is the Pakistan vs England 2nd Test 2026?
The second Test will be played from 27 to 31 August 2026.
Where will the 2nd Test be played?
The match will take place at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, England.
What time does Pakistan vs England 2nd Test start?
The scheduled start time is 11:00 AM local time in England, which is 3:00 PM in Pakistan.
How many Tests are in the Pakistan vs England 2026 series?
The series consists of three Test matches, with the other Tests at Headingley and Edgbaston.
Is Babar Azam expected to play the 2nd Test?
Babar missed the first Test because of a hand injury. His availability for Lord’s will depend on his fitness assessment.
Who is in England's Test squad for the 2nd Test?
England have named a 16-player squad for the first two Tests, including Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and other players.
What is the venue for the 2nd Test?
The venue is Lord’s Cricket Ground, London, one of the world's most historic Test venues.