Footage of Brydon Carse kept flashing on the big screens at Lord’s on Thursday, showcasing the fast bowler enjoying a refreshing can of fizzy apple juice, the official drinks partner of English cricket. In Carse’s absence, the metaphorical clouds hanging over the England team made way for the real thing as Mohammad Abbas took charge on a nibbling slow surface.

Abbas stamped his authority, claiming four wickets, complemented by three from the expressive Mohammad Ali, significantly lifting Pakistan’s spirits after their disappointing performance at Headingley. Without the two proficient half-centuries from Jordan Cox (55) and Jamie Smith (61), England’s total of 248 for nine from 56 overs would have been considerably worse by the time bad light halted play.

In this new-look England batting lineup, these crucial knocks came from two right-handers eager to secure their spots. Both players, known for their aggressive style, opted for smart percentage cricket on a challenging day. Cox, in particular, anchored the innings with 217 minutes of careful play, punctuated by punishing the bad deliveries. His dismissal came via a stunning one-handed catch from a substitute fielder, Salman Ali Agha, who had been dropped from the team after captaining the previous match.

This catch broke a vital 67-run partnership with Smith after tea. While Smith continued for a while longer, he became one of three players to be clean bowled as the gloom descended. Despite the one-sided nature of events at Headingley, it felt like honours were even in one respect, but Pakistan certainly had the upper hand on this occasion.