Zaheer Abbas rings honorary bell at Lord’s for Pakistan-England Test

LONDON: Pakistan cricket legend Zaheer Abbas had a memorable return to Lord’s on Thursday as he rang the iconic five-minute honorary bell to mark the start of the second Test between Pakistan and England.

The former Pakistan captain performed the traditional ceremony at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground, popularly known as the ‘Home of Cricket’, adding another special moment to his illustrious career.

The honorary bell has been part of Lord’s Test-match tradition since 2007. A distinguished former cricketer is invited to ring the bell for five minutes before play, signalling the beginning of the day’s action.

Known around the cricket world as the ‘Asian Bradman’, Zaheer said he was proud to take part in the ceremony.

“It’s a great honour,” he said after ringing the bell, while stressing that Pakistan would need disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to secure victory.

Zaheer’s own record explains why he remains one of Pakistan’s most celebrated batsmen. He played 78 Tests for Pakistan, scoring 5,062 runs at an average of 44.79, with 12 centuries and 20 half-centuries.

His first-class career was even more remarkable. Across 450 matches, Zaheer accumulated a staggering 34,843 runs at an average of 51.54, including 108 centuries and 158 fifties.

The Marylebone Cricket Club recognised his contribution to cricket by awarding him Honorary Life Membership in 1990.

His appearance at Lord’s came as Pakistan produced a strong bowling performance on the opening day of the second Test. England slipped to 248 for nine before bad light interrupted play, leaving the hosts in a precarious position.

Pakistan pacer Mohammad Abbas was the standout performer with the ball, claiming four wickets and keeping England’s batting under sustained pressure.

For England, Jordan Cox and Jamie Smith provided some resistance. Cox made 55, while Smith scored 61, helping the hosts recover from a difficult position.

With England nine wickets down, Pakistan will look to finish the innings quickly when play resumes and then make the most of favourable batting conditions.

For Zaheer Abbas, however, the day was about more than the scorecard. Ringing the bell at Lord’s — a ground steeped in cricket history — offered the legendary batter another opportunity to leave his mark on the game he served for decades.