LIVE: England v Pakistan

Date released: 29 August 2010

England take on Pakistan at Lord's in the fourth and decisive Test of the series. Follow our live coverage for moment-by-moment up to the minute action.

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1:01pm: Trott's 404-runs in the series secure him a magnum of champagne and the England man-of-the-series award.

Eoin Morgan was awarded the Padmore Medal for 'outstanding contribution to the series' - for his match-turning 130 at Trent Bridge.

12:55pm: Stuart Broad is confirmed as the man-of-the-match. Jonathan Trott is England's man-of-the-series.

Pakistan's man-of-the-series is the young bowler, Mohammad Amir.

12:48pm: We've updated the online version of the Lord's Honours Boards - the latest name on the bowlers' boards: G. P. Swann.

12:34pm 37th over: Swann's got him - England's fielders are all jumping up and Swann's getting the congratulations.

Pakistan are appealing it though - the TV umpire will be called... but the decision remains. Asif's out.

That's a five-for for Graeme Swann too. Well deserved, nine wickets in the match for him too. He'll be on the Lord's Honours Boards too.

Pakistan 147 all out - Asif c. Collingwood b. Swann - 1

England win by an innings & 225 runs

That's also Pakistan's heaviest Test defeat.

12:28pm 36th over: Four more for Akmal, clipping a fuller ball from Broad off his toes and it runs up through long leg to the rope.

England bring in the field and Akmal merely adjusts his aim, clipping it over James Anderson at mid off. Another four.

50-run partnership between these two - Asif has contributed just one of them.

12:24pm 35th over: That's another four runs for Akmal, pulling Swann again, up towards the Tavern Stand.

Akmal steps wide of his crease and cuts Swann for another four. His score has raced into the 70s.

12:18pm 34th over: A loud cheer for Stuart Broad as he's brought on to bowl at the Nursery End.

Yet another good shot from Umar Akmal, picking a small gap in the field and pulling Broad's first ball of the over for four.

12:13pm 33rd over: Swann is still on at the Pavilion End, still chasing that elusive fifth wicket.

Four men, plus the wicket-keeper, clustered around the bat as Swann bowls to Asif.

James Anderson appeals for a wicket
- click for more photos Our day four photo gallery is up and running - including this great pic of James Anderson (right).

12:09pm 32nd over: Asif will face the first ball of this over from Anderson and he steers it into the off side. They run a gentle single so Umar is on strike again.

Anderson sends down a wide; closely followed by a rather wild full-toss. Just a single from it though, so Asif on strike for the final ball of the over.

12:04pm 31st over: Umar's gone for it again - that's massive! Someone on the England dressing room balcony may have caught that! It's six!

The Pavilion architecture is safe - it went into the gap just to the left of the famous old Victorian building.

That's six more! Over mid-wicket this time.

That's fifty for Umar Akmal from just 40 balls - bordering on a Twenty20-style innings at the moment.

11:59am 30th over: If Pakistan are going down in this match, Umar Akmal's going down swinging!

That's another massive hit through the mid-off region for another four - which brings up 100 runs for Pakistan.

Another one sent heavenwards by Akmal... Cook is trying to run and look over his shoulder at the same time and he runs towards long on... but it's down before he can catch it. Just a single.

11:52am 29th over: More rapid running between the wickets... but not quick enough this time!

Stuart Broad makes a rapid collect and throw and a direct hit removes Ajmal at the non-strikers' end.

Pakistan 97-9 - Ajmal run out (Broad) - 8

Mohammad Asif is the man walking down the steps as Ajmal heads up them. Pakistan down to their last batsman still 275 runs behind.

11:48am 28th over: Another lovely shot from Umar - he climbed into that one from Anderson and smashed it back down the ground over the bowler's head. Four.

Umar's swinging the bat at almost everything. He didn't quite get enough bat on that one - just one run to mid-off.

Ajmal playing better than his place in the batting order would suggest, another neat shot brings him another single with a bink into the off side.

11:45am 27th over: A good shot from Akmal into the off side but he gets only one run there which will expose Ajmal to Swann again.

Ajmal's scampering for a single there, a risky one - Prior attempted to throw down the stumps at the non-striker's end but it misses - narrowly.

11:41am 26th over: England's fielders closed in for the last ball of the previous over to ensure Anderson will bowl the first ball of this one to the tail-ender Ajmal.

Anderson draws the edge! Collingwood tumbles to his right to field that one at third slip - but it bounced just before him.

Anderson drifts onto Ajmal's pads and the number ten batsman plays that nicely off his toes - four runs.

11:38am 25th over: Here comes Swann again, seeking his five-for. Ajmal facing first and again he's happy to run a gentle single to rotate the strike.

Another mighty heft of the bat, from Umar this time. Pietersen slides along the rope to try and stop it but was in contact with the rope as he attempted to stop it - four runs.

11:34am 24th over: Saeed Ajmal is the new batsman - facing James Anderson.

Ajmal off the mark - he could have run two there but is more than happy to leave the bulk of the batting to Umar Akmal.

11:33am 23rd over: There's the eighth wicket, another one for Swann - his fourth of the innings and eighth of the match.

Riaz threw the bat at that but just toe-ended it to Kevin Pietersen at mid-on for a simple catch.

Pakistan 73-8 - Riaz c. Pietersen b. Swann - 0

Another duck for Pakistan's tail-enders. Swann now persuing a place on the Lord's Honours Boards for the first time in his career.

11:27am 22nd over: Umar Akmal leans back and a forces that one through the off side. Good shot, four runs.

A single makes the deficit exactly 300 runs now.

11:20am 21st over: Umar has a big swipe at that one from Swann but didn't quite get hold of it - it's just one run, bringing Amir back on to strike.

Swann's got Amir with the first ball he's bowled to him.

Pakistan 65-7 - Amir b. Swann - 0

Amir gone for a duck - but that's another great delivery from Swann.

Wahab Riaz the new man coming out to bat.

Riaz dinks that one skywards - Cook has to dive and almost crawl to get a hand on that at short-leg. He has caught it... but umpire Tony Hill says no. England are going to appeal it.

Replays show there was no bat on that - and it may well have bounced before Cook had it in hand. Either way, Riaz is not out.

11:14am 20th over: Kamran lasts just a few minutes before he edges that one from Anderson into the welcoming gloves of Matt Prior. Out.

Pakistan 64-6 - K. Akmal c. Prior b. Anderson - 1

Mohammad Amir the new man at the crease.

11:09am 19th over: A lovely square cut from Umar which races away to the Grand Stand.

Four more runs for Pakistan - a good start by these two batsmen.

England have four men clustered around the bat - a silly mid-on, a short leg, a slip and the 'keeper.

That's a beauty from Swann - it nips back past Azhar's bat and clips off stump - keeping low.

Pakistan 63-5 - Azhar b. Swann - 12

That brings Kamran Akaml out to bat with his brother Umar.

11:06am 18th over: James Anderson replaces Finn at the Nursery End.

Good shot from Azhar into the off side but a great, sliding stop from Eoin Morgan cuts it off before it's four. Well fielded - they run three.

Two more for Azhar into the leg-side this time, just nudging it past the mid-on fielder.

11:02am 17th over: Graeme Swann will continue his spell from the Pavilion End - where he was bowling yesterday.

Swann beats Ali's bat with the first ball of the over and Prior has the bails off as they appeal for a stumping. The batsman safely in his crease though.

Three runs for Ali, a firm push through mid-off.

There's four more, for Umar this time, a neat shot into the leg-side and all the way to the boundary. That's 50-up for Pakistan.

11:00am 16th over: Here comes to Finn, Umar Akmal on strike first - and he scores a single into the leg side.

Azhar Ali off the mark too - both players had start on nought. Ali's got two there.

10:59am: Here come the players - warm applause at Lord's for both sides.

10:55am: MCC President John Barclay rings the five minute bell - and here come the umpires.

This is likely to be the last day of Test cricket of Barclay's tenure as MCC President. As is MCC tradition he has already designated his successor - Christopher Martin-Jenkins, who takes over on 1 October.

10:46am: Fewer than 15 minutes until the start of play on what already feels like a strange day's cricket at Lord's.

Electric fielder: Ned Eckersley 10:35am: Run-out practice now for a few players - one of the MCC Young Cricketers is there as a 12th man, Ned Eckersley. He's certainly an electric fielder - hitting the stumps from a range of distances and angles.

10:24am: Fielding practice now for England - using those hard, angled little 'bounce-boards' to send awkward ricochets for the players to catch.

Still no sign of any Pakistan players on the outfield.

10:12am: When play does resume we'll start with the three remaining balls of the 16th over, bowled by Steve Finn.

The two batsmen at the crease will be Azhar Ali and Umar Akmal - after Mohammad Yousuf holed out to Jonathan Trott off the last ball bowled yesterday.

Pakistan are on 41-4 in their second innings - still 331 runs behind England.

10:05am: The Pakistan team have arrived, a few of them pop out on to to the away team's balcony for a moment before disappearing back inside the dressing room.

10:03am: Meanwhile the England players continue as they would do for any other day of Test match cricket.

Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood were in the nets in the MCC Indoor Cricket School, Eoin Morgan has just headed that way too.

Pietersen's now stood just to one side of the pitch, chatting to former England captain (now BBC Test Match Special commentator) Michael Vaughan. May be an interesting chat this morning.

9:54am: It's nearly 10 o'clock, just over an hour until the scheduled start of play.

For the first time in a long time there's live coverage of a team coach - Sky News outside the Pakistan team's hotel, as the players get on the coach.

9:18am: A statement regarding the story in this morning's News of the World has been issued: Statement on News of the World story

In short - the match is to continue, as scheduled.

8:36am: Weather at Lord's is warm and sunny again - though the cloud of 'spot betting' fixing allegations is hanging over the match today.

Whether these allegations are true or false the International Cricket Council has said today's play will continue as normal.

We're set for an 11am start. The pitch is being prepared and we'll have all the latest news (both on and off the pitch) here.

Day Three

6:31pm: Half-past six comes and goes and no sign of players coming out again. Though the rain has stopped the covers are going on. That's the close of play.

Pakistan 41-4 at the close of play

Another day of fantastic Test cricket at Lord's. Trott and Broad toppling a clutch of records between them and then England taking fourteen Pakistan wickets in a day.

Our day three summary plus all the reaction from both teams will be on Lords.org soon.

Thanks for following the action, live from Lord's, with us. See you tomorrow at 10am for more of the same!

6:20pm 16th over: As Steve Finn turns at the end of his run-up to bowl this over it does look rather dark out there now, despite the floodlights.

With the 6'8" Finn steaming in this could be an extremely tricky spell for Pakistan.

Finn has a wicket - Yousuf hooking wildly at that one and it shoots skywards - Jonathan Trott taking the catch on one knee.

Pakistan 41-4 - Yousuf c. Trott b. Finn - 10

That's broken England's flow - the clouds suddenly open up and it's pouring.

Rain stops play - Pakistan 41-4 trail by 331

That's more than likely it for the day - if the players are off the field at 6:30pm (it's 6:26pm now) they won't come out for less than 30 minutes until the 7pm close.

The covers are still going on.

6:13pm 15th over: After drinks Graeme Swann will continue to bowl from the Pavilion End.

Swann still finding some great amounts of turn out there - that one cut back across Butt.

That one has beaten him too! Swann trapped him LBW and England are celebrating!

England 41-3 - Butt LBW b. Swann - 21

Butt has referred it - captain's privilege one supposes - but it looks out on the replays. Confirmed and the skipper is on his way back to the Pavilion.

Azhar Ali the new man at the crease. A wicket maiden for Swann.

6:11pm: Time for a drinks break.

Butt and Yousuf are making a brave attempt at saving some pride for Pakistan. England will need to find a way to unsettle one or both of them soon.

6:06pm 14th over: Another spell of autograph signing for Trott fielding in front of the Grand Stand - lots of England fans will want the number three's signature after his match-saving innings.

Finn perseveres from the Nursery End. The floodlights are on but it is looking a little gloomy out there.

6:03pm 13th over: A well-timed drive, up the slope, from Yousuf. It's MCC Young Cricketer Iain Cockbain (on as a sub fielder for Stuart Broad) who completes the chase to cut it off before it reaches the rope.

With Cockbain on the field for Broad it would seem perhaps there was something in that incident we spotted earlier with Broad (8th over, below) where he clutched at his ribs.

5:57pm 12th over: Strauss has a long chat to young Steven Finn before this over. Finn's first over has been rather expensive in both innings.

It's tricky for the 21-year-old, he usually prefers to bowl from the Pavilion End but has done a good job for his team from the Nursery End.

Finn rips in a bouncer that has Butt rocking backwards on his heels.

5:52pm 11th over: As Yousuf gets some more treatment on that sore hand, Graeme Swann comes on at the Pavilion End.

Cheers around Lord's as the rain stops.

Two slips, a short-leg and a silly mid-on all clustered around the bat for Swann bowling to Butt.

5:48pm 10th over: First bowling change of this innings - Steve Finn replaces Broad at the Nursery End.

It was the very tall Finn who caused Pakistan so many problems from this end in their first innings.

No problems there for Yousuf who leant into that one and drove it smartly through the covers. Four runs.

Finn, as he did in the first innings, starting with a few wayward deliveries. Butt more than happy to accept the chance to push that through the on side for four.

A better ball from Finn but the same treatment from Butt, who just shimies back into his crease and steers it, late for another four.

Oh dear, a little drizzly rain has arrived. Let's hope it passes quickly - we're still playing.

James Anderson celebrates the wicket of Yasir Hameed
- click for more photos 5:43pm 9th over: Another good snap from our photo gallery - James Anderson, who's bowling this over, photographed celebrating the wicket of Hameed.

The Lancashire quick still getting the odd ball to zip back down the slope away from the left-handed Butt.

5:41pm 8th over: Butt off the mark at last - and with a four too. Good shot.

He follows it up with a single, turned neatly into the leg side.

Broad clutches his ribs after that delivery - England will hope their all-star all-rounder isn't hurt.

5:32pm 7th over: Before this over Salman Butt has a long chat to umpire Tony Hill - lots of pointing at the Nursery End sightscreen - they're clearly not happy with it.

No sightscreen involed in that one - Hameed's out, LBW to Anderson.

Pakistan 9-2 - Hameed LBW b. Anderson - 3

Umpire Bowden walks down to the Nursery End and is gesticulating at something - I'm not sure how they might make the sightscreen a foot taller suddenly.

Mohammad Yousuf the next man in. He's on a 'pair' - he got nought in the first innings another here would make a matching pair.

Last ball of the over, Yousuf hit on the glove. That's hurt him. He's called for the physio.

5:27pm 6th over: Butt still on nought. Hameed adds another single to his score, clipping a delivery from Broad off his legs, down to long-leg.

Another swish and a miss from Butt. The Pakistan captain looks angry with himself - another ball he needn't have play at.

5:24pm 5th over: Anderson fires in a yorker which keeps very low - it beat Butt's bat but went just wide of the stumps. Pakistan peering over the precipice.

5:18pm 4th over: Broad finds a hint of movement back up the slope here at Lord's. Andrew Strauss, stood in the slips, applauds that delivery.

Another rash stroke, Farhat attempts the pull but just loops a simple catch to Cook at mid-on.

Pakistan 7-1 - Farhat c. Cook b. Broad - 5

The captain, Salman Butt, is the new man in. Goodness me how he and Pakistan could do with a clichéd 'captain's innings' here.

First ball and Broad has Butt playing and missing. Not a promising sign for Pakistan, he could have left that.

5:14pm 3rd over: Belatedly Pakistan play some solid defensive strokes, Anderson bowling a decent line to make them play.

5:10pm 2nd over: England's batting (and bowling) hero, Stuart Broad will bowl from the Nursery End.

Hameed has more than a rush of blood, that was bordering on madness given the match situation. He strode down the wicket and had a massive swoosh at that one and got nowhere near it.

Broad looks on with bemusement.

England's other batting hero, Jonathan Trott, takes a moment between deliveries to sign a few autographs for fans in the Grand Stand.

5:06pm 1st over: Farhat and Hameed out there again. James Anderson will bowl from the Pavilion End.

Despite the deficit Pakistan don't seem to be batting with much caution - Hameed wafting at one down the leg-side from Anderson.

5:03pm: England have, officially, enforced the follow-on. Pakistan will have to bat again.

They're 372 runs behind.

4:50pm 33rd over: Swann's first ball of the over hits Wahab on the front pad and Billy Bowden puts his finger up.

Wahab refers it straight away but the replays show it was just clipping the top of middle stump and Bowden's decision stays.

Pakistan 74-9 - Wahab LBW b. Swann - 2

Asif the last man in and several wags are predicting this match could be over tonight.

It's all over, Swann wraps the innings up by getting Asif caught and bowled.

Pakistan 74 all out - Asif c & b. Swann - 0

Pakistan are all out for 74 and will surely be starting their second innings again shortly.

4:43pm 32nd over: Finn is driven beautifully for four by Akmal, who doesn't look like a man with three ducks this series at the moment.

I spoke too soon. Finn get's a little bit of movement away from Kamran and the batsman gets a thin edge through to Matt Prior.

Pakistan 70-8 - K. Akmal c. Prior b. Finn - 13

Nice start for Ajmal, who clips his first ball through square leg for four.

4:37pm 31st over: Swann is worked for two by Riaz, who survives a half hearted appeal for LBW.

Umar Akmal is clean bowled by Steve Finn
- click for more photos

4:37pm 29th over: Finn bowls another testing over but Kamran breaks Englands hold on the situation slightly with a beautiful on-drive for four.

4:34pm 28th over: Swann has Wahab dropped at slip by Collingwood in another testing over and England are all over the tourists here.

4:25pm 27th over: Finn starts with a beauty, which beats Umar outside the off stump and then repeats the trick next ball.

Out! Finn clean bowls Akmal with a superb yorker which Umar might have struggled to pick up.

Pakistan - 57-6 - U. Akmal b. Finn - 6

It seems that the earlier conversation between Umar and the umpires was about the sightscreen at the Nursery End which Finn is able to exploit when bowling full.

Morhammad Amir is the new batsman and once again he apears to completely lose sight of a full toss which hits him on the pad. Umpire Hill says not out but England are referring.

Yes, the referral confirms that Amir is out!

Finn is going to be unplayable if this continues.

Pakistan 57-7 - Amir LBW Finn - 0

4:22pm 26th over: Kamran drives Swann for a single in the big off-side gap and his younger brother gets off strike straight away with a back foot push to long-on.

4:18pm 25th over: Finn continues to bowl to the Akmal brothers and sends down a decent maiden to keep the pressure on Pakistan.

4:13pm 24th over: Swann has got another one here, Azhar Ali prods forward to the second ball of the over and it pops up to short leg where Alastair Cook takes the catch.

Pakistan 53-5 - Azhar c. Cook b. Swann - 10

Kamran Akmal will be delighted to get off the mark with his first ball, only his 12th run of the series, pushing Swann through the covers for two.

4:06pm 23rd over: Finn replaces Anderson at the Nursery End but sends his first couple of deliveries down the leg side.

There is a bit of a break as the batsmen approach the umpires regarding something behind the bowlers arm. Not sure what that was about but Finn is eventually allowed to continue and sends down a couple of decent yorkers and one which bounces twice before reaching wicketkeeper Prior.

4:00pm 22nd over: Well, well, well. Graeme Swann bowls the Pakistan captain first ball with an absolute beauty only for Butt to stand his ground.

The umpires came together and there was a brief conflab before the replays confirmed the ball had taken a good portion of the off stump, extraordinary stuff!

Pakistan 46-4 - Butt b. Swann - 26

Umar Akmal is the new man and he charges Swann with his third ball and gets four for an ugly swipe to cow corner.

Thats better from Umar as he gets a single to long-on off the last ball of the over. What a start to the session!

3:39pm: The players are back out on the field and the afternoon session is ready to go.

3:41pm: Another excellent session for England then, with Broad once again starring.

You get the feeling that Graeme Swann might be the main man for the rest of the day however judging by the vicious turn he found in his first two overs.

Pakistan 46-3 at Tea

3:37pm 22nd over: Anderson to bowl probably the last over before Tea and Azhar breaks a run of five consecutive maidens with a single down to fine-leg.

Butt too gets a single, easing the last ball of the session through point before turning and heading for the safety of the Pavilion, with Pakistan reeling on 46-3, exactly 400 behind.

3:34pm 21st over: Here comes Swann again and Butt looks far more uncomfortable against his off-spin than against the seamers but is able to leave a succession of wide deliveries.

3:30pm 20th over: Another maiden from Anderson to Azhar and there is some reverse swing there too. Anderson has been miserly today, conceding only eight runs from his nine overs.

There are some late gate tickets available from Tea today, priced from £20 for adults. Under-16's are free.

3:26pm 19th over: Time for a bit of Graeme Swann from the Pavilion End. Pakistan will be well aware of his knack of getting a wicket in his first over.

Swann is in the game straight away getting a couple of deliveries to turn past Butt's outside edge before the Pakistan captain gets a leading edge which falls agonisingly just out of the reach of extra-cover.

3:22pm 18th over: Things settling down here now after the initial excitment. Butt and Azhar are looking more comfortable and England are continuing to probe away, facinating stuff.

3:18pm 17th over: Finn is bowling round the wicket to Butt and looks in slightly better rhythm now, completing a maiden.

3:13pm 16th over: Anderson continues from the Nursery End. Butt is timing the ball brilliantly, clipping the ball crisply but straight at Collingwood who has moved from third slip to short mid-wicket.

He gets a single to deep square next ball however and Azhar ends the over with a positive looking drive which is fielded by Anderson.

3:07pm 15th over: Finn starts his third over with a short delivery which Butt pulls for two.

The next two are full but Strauss has strengthened the covers and MCC Young Cricketer Iain Cockbain, on for Stuart Broad, gets his hands on the ball at mid-off.

Finn just looks short of rhythm at the moment, not surprising for a 21-year-old in his first full summer of Test cricket.

3:03pm 14th over: Anderson will have a go from the Nursery End now and Azhar makes a very good leave from the first ball before working the ball off his legs for two.

Lord's is once again looking a good place to bat in glorious sunshine and both Azhar and Butt look in good nick.

2:58pm 13th over: Butt drives nicely for four down the hill as Finn over-pitches his first ball.

He drives again next ball but doesn't time it properly and Cook keeps them to two.

This isn't very good from Finn who drops short and wide, allowing Butt to flash it to the extra-cover boundary.

Azhar almost gets another boundary as he clips Finn through the leg side but Cook makes a wonderful save at full-stretch at mid-on.

Butt gets another boundary however, lacing a half-volley to the same cover boundary he found twice earlier in the over. Not a good over from Finn and Pakistan are suddenly 36-3.

2:53pm 12th over: Broad is going to continue after drinks but he fires a couple down the leg-side to Azhar before forcing a couple of defensive strokes as he completes a maiden.

2:50pm: Drinks here and what a wonderful hour for England. After losing thier final two wickets quickly after lunch Broad and Anderson have been right on the money, Broad taking 2-10 to follow his innings of 169.

2:45pm 11th over: Finn replaces Anderson at his favourite Pavilion End, Anderson finishing that spell with figures of 5-4-3-1.

Butt is off the mark straight away, driving him beautifully down the ground to the boundary and follows that up with a single to the leg-side.

2:42pm 10th over: Broad continues to steam in, he's showing no sign of fatigue after his wonderful century, but Azhar is equal to him as the sun returns to NW8.

2:37pm 9th over: Anderson continues and Butt, who must be fuming at his side's position, is happy to see out another maiden.

2:33pm 8th over: Azhar Ali gets off the mark with a fabulous drive for four.

2:29pm 7th over: Anderson keeps the pressure on with a testing over to Butt who survives despite playing and missing a couple of times.

Another maiden, thats five in a row, and England are on fire.

2:24pm 6th over: Broad is steaming in from the Nursery End and he surprises Yousuf with one which jags back up the hill.

Broad has bowled him! Unbelieveable delivery which beats Yousuf's defensive shot and just grazes the outside of the off-peg.

Pakistan 10-3 - Yousuf b. Broad - 0

What a couple of days for Stuart Broad! 10-3.

2:18pm 5th over: Blimey, things are clouding over here in North London and Anderson gets three balls to move considerably down the hill and past Farhat's outside edge.

And Farhat is gone! He aims a full blooded drive at a pitched up delivery and gets a thin edge through to Matt Prior. Pakistan are in all sorts of bother.

Pakistan 9-2 - Farhat c. Prior b. Anderson - 6

Here comes Mohammad Yousuf, lots of pressure on him this afternoon and he has to be alert from ball one as Anderson spears in a testing yorker which he just squeezes out.

2:12pm 4th over: Broad beats Hameed with a short of a length ball which just shapes away from his back-foot drive.

Two balls later he's on his way! Broad bowls a slightly fuller ball which Hameed prods into the hands of Graeme Swann at second slip, 9-1.

Pakistan 9-1 - Hameed c. Swann b. Broad - 2

Time for a captain's innings from Salman Butt, who leaves his first three deliveries alone outside off stump; wicket maiden for Broad.

2:08pm 3rd over: Anderson has gone around the wicket to Farhat already but the left-hander looks fairly convincing so far, playing out a maiden.

2:03pm 2nd over: Here comes the hero of the England innings, Stuart Broad, and he gets a huge round of applause from the crowd.

Hameed gets a single off the first ball of the over and Farhat leg-glances for four off his hip as Broad strays down leg side.

1:58pm 1st over: Anderson starts from the Pavilion End and Imran Farhat gets off the mark straight away, driving off the back foot to mid-off.

Trott gets a couple of rounds of applause as he jogs from fine-leg to fine-leg and Hameed too gets a single, off his hip to deep square leg.

A hint of swing for Anderson there from the last ball of the over, which Farhat pushes nicely up to mid-off.

1:55pm Well that was a bit of an anticlimax after Lunch but in terms of the match progressing it was probably the best thing that could have happened for England, whose bowlers are already out warming up.

So Jonathan Trott's mammoth innings is over and he failed by 17 runs to become the first man to score two double centuries at the Home of Cricket.

He does make the Lord's Honours Board for the second time this summer however, a fine effort from England's No.3.

1:46pm 140th over: Wahab to continue to Trott from the other end.

Interesting to see how Trott appoaches this now as he declines a single to mid-on from the first delivery.

Trott is out from the second ball! Or is he, Trott appeared to edge a wide delivery to Kamran Akmal but the umpires are conferring.

The decision goes upstairs and Trott is finally given out for 184, England 446 all-out.

1:40pm 139th over: Welcome back, Anderson and Trott, unbeaten on 183, are making their way back to the middle.

Ajmal starts thins off from the Pavilion End as Trott goes through his familiar pre-ball routine and blocks the first delivery before getting off the mark with a single.

The left handed Anderson plays and misses at his first ball and edges the next straight to Hameed at slip who takes the catch. Simple stuff.

The new man Finn strides to the wicket, all 6"7' of him, and blocks the final ball of a successful first over after lunch for Pakistan and Ajmal.

1:12pm: Worth remembering that you could be here tomorrow.

Tickets are still available - it's Sunday of a Bank Holiday weekend - get down to Lord's! It's a fantastic match.

12:59pm 138th over: Lunchtime soon - at the end of this over.

Trott eases a gentle single into the mid-on area from the last ball before lunch to ruin what could have been a maiden over. It also means he'll face the first ball after lunch too.

And that is lunch.

England 445-8 at lunch

Another standing ovation for Trott as he walks off the field.

What a morning for England - they've added exactly 99 runs to their overnight score for the loss of just one wicket.

That eighth wicket stand between Trott and Broad of 332 runs broke the Test record - by some way too.

12:57pm 137th over: A quadruple Nelson on the scoreboard now - 444 runs. England 444-8.

Supposedly scores of Nelson (any multiple of 111) are bad luck for England though they'll be delighted to have made it past 400 runs, having been 47-5 at one point yesterday.

12:48pm 136th over: Pakistan's bowlers encouraged by the prospect of being able to bowl at a tail-ender (Anderson) - Riaz finding a couple to trouble Anderson already.

That one hit him on the pads and, after some thought, Pakistan are asking for another referral.

The umpire's verdict, not out, is unchanged this time though and Pakistan have used up both their reviews now. If a team reviews a decision unsucessfully they lose one of their two appeals.

Our online, digital version of the Lord's Honours Boards is already updated to include Stuart Broad's excellent innings.

As and when his innings finally comes to an end, Jonathan Trott will be on there too.

Meanwhile on the pitch, Anderson tickles that one around the corner for four runs.

12:41pm 135th over: Ajmal continues from the Pavilion End - at last some movement, turn and bounce, for the wrist-spinner.

Broad was a long way forward to that one but it hit him very low on his pads. Umpire Bowden gives it not out - Pakistan ask for a TV referral of the decision.

It's given out. What a way for Broad's magnificent innings to come to an end. Rather drawn out.

England 434-8 - Broad LBW b. Ajmal - 169

Broad walks off and, rightly, the Lord's crowd are on their feet to applaud what was a magnificent innings from the all-rounder.

James Anderson the new man in - and off the mark quickly, with a well run two.

Word from the Pavilion - Matt Prior and Graeme Swann came down from the Dressing Room to welcome Broad back in - a loud roar of approval in the famous Long Room.

12:36pm 134th over: Just two fielders in the leg-side for Trott, the left-arm Riaz bowling a nagging line outside the off stump - but Trott more than happy to watch a few of those go by him.

12:33pm 133rd over: Broad scores another gentle single as these two continue to add to their record eighth wicket total.

One more for Trott moves him into the 180s. His mind may well drift to the idea of becoming the first man ever to score two double centuries at Lord's in one season.

Trott scored 226 against Bangladesh here in May. Some commentators suggested that was easy pickings against the Bangladesh attack. There can be no such qualms about this innings. Brilliant batting.

12:27pm 132nd over: Riaz continues to rumble in from the Nursery End - it's a thankless morning for the Pakistan bowlers so far.

12:24pm 131st over: One more for Broad and at this rate of scoring (he's 168*) he'll chase down his partner's score (Trott on 174*).

Trott puts a bit of daylight between their scores as he binks that one into the leg-side to add four to his score.

12:16pm 130th over: It's a double bowling change - Wahab Riaz comes on at the Nursery End.

Riaz draws the edge, but Trott's luck is in - the ball scampers wide of the single slip in place and it's four more runs to the total.

Stuart Broad celebrates reaching 150 runs
- click for more photos Another great snap from our photo galleries - Stuart Broad celebrating reaching 150 runs.

Broad has another four and that's another brace of landmarks:

At 317 runs this partnership is now the highest third wicket partnership in Test history.

Broad (162*) has also equalled his father Chris' (who was an opening batsman) best Test score.

Next ball and Broad moves easily past that score. He's now the second highest scoring number nine batsman in Tests too.

12:12pm 129th over: Pakistan try another bowling change - Imran Farhat will bowl his leg-spin from the Pavilion End.

Farhat did cause Broad a problem or two yesterday.

Off his hips and Broad runs that one fine, down the slope towards the Compton and Edrich Stands - four more runs.

12:09pm 128th over: Ajmal perseveres from the Nursery End - another single for Jonathan Trott.

Broad plays at that one off his toes and pads - no bat on it - four more byes. That makes this partnership worth 300 runs. Stellar stuff.

This partnership is already the third highest eighth wicket stand in Test cricket.

12:05pm: Time for a little drinks break before the 128th over - and Pakistan will feel like they need it.

Trott and Broad very much in the ascendency this morning.

11:59am 127th over: The breeze has picked up a little, something of a wind now - snapping the flags over the Pavilion.

It's blowing from the Grand Stand towards the Tavern Stand - from north to south for those of you not familiar with your geography of Lord's.

Lord's are on their feet again and Stuart Broad has brought up another landmark with yet another superlative shot - an absolutely rifling shot through the covers for another four. Broad has 150.

That's almost a carbon copy - another four for Broad and England coast to 400 runs. Excellent stuff this.

11:56am 126th over: Broad's given that one some air - Riaz was back on the boundary but it dropped some way short of him. A fraction of a half of a chance there.

There's another lovely cricket shot. Trott drilling that one through extra cover. Four more runs has England homing in on 400.

11:51am 125th over: Shot! Asif over pitches and Broad steps slightly to one side to absolutely smash that down the ground for a boundary four.

11:49am 124th over: One slip and a short-leg fielder in place again as Ajmal bowls to Broad. The England all-rounder brushes one off his pads, down the leg side for a bye.

The right-handed Trott steers it far more deliberately into the same area for another two runs.

11:42am 123rd over: First bowling change of the day - Mohammad Asif replaces Amir at the Pavilion End.

Once again Trott getting in a good stride down the pitch to Asif, trying to negate any swing movement the bowler may get.

11:39am 122nd over: Trott playing a very proper forward defensive to Ajmal. The bowlers have barely troubled the batsmen this morning.

A silly mid-off fielder in place, under the helmet, as Pakistan try to assert some form of pressure.

That fielder stays in place and becomes a short-leg fielder for the left-handed Broad.

More sharp, fast running from Trott and Broad makes an easy single into a rapid two runs.

11:35am 121st over: Broad continues to plunder the singles on offer - the England batsmen running sharply between the wickets.

11:31am 120th over: Another single to Broad brings Trott on to strike.

Ajmal offers him some width and Trott grateful accepts the chance to cut that away for four. Good shot.

11:27am 119th over: The left-arm Amir continues from the Pavilion End, bowling around the wicket to the left-handed Broad.

Just the one run (to Broad) from the over.

An MCC Member follows the action through his binoculars
- click for more photos 11:23am 118th over: Our day three photo gallery is up and running (see right).

We'll be filling it with more great action pics from the day's play.

Our day two photo gallery is worth a look too in case you missed it.

Ajmal trundles through another quiet over.

11:19am 117th over: More arm waving and pointing from Butt, directing his field. Just one man back on the boundary for Amir bowling to Trott.

Four balls into the over and all the men are in from the boundary - Butt and Amir clearly trying to tempt Trott to play over the top of the ring of fielders.

11:15am 116th over: It's definitely drier out there this morning - some little puffs of dust from the pitch for this over from Ajmal. The spinner is finding some turn too.

Broad drops to one knee, attempting the sweep. No bat on that though, it's four leg-byes.

11:10am 115th over: Pakistan captain Salman Butt spending some time re-arranging his field before this over from Amir.

There is just one slip, though there are two fielders in the gully for Amir bowling to Broad.

More for the crowd to cheer - another single makes this partnership worth 250 runs.

And some more applause - first four of the morning, Broad carving that one away to the rope.

11:06am 114th over: The Allen Stand here at Lord's is named after Sir Gubby. Perhaps in fifty years time Stuart Broad might have a stand named after him... at Trent Bridge perhaps?

There's another landmark - another single brings up 350 for England.

11:02am 113th over: That's a little more expected - Mohammad Amir will bowl the first over from the Pavilion End, replacing Imran Farhat who bowled from that end yesterday.

Trott's first ball of the day - clipped into the off side for a single which brings up another landmark for the England number three - 150 runs.

Interesting stat from our official scorer up here in the Media Centre. In Trott's first 50 he scored seven boundary fours; in the second 50 there were six; in his last 50 (of his 150) there were just two.

A single for Broad means this partnership has now beaten England's eighth wicket partnership record - beating the mark set by Gubby Allen and Les Ames. Another record falls.

10:59am 112th over: There are lots of people on their feet in the crowd, just to welcome Trott and Broad to the crease. The knowledgable Lord's crowd know all too well that these two dug England out of a serious hole yesterday.

England resume on 346-7.

First surprise of the day: we'll resume with Saeed Ajmal bowling from the Nursery End. Broad facing first, watchfully blocking the first ball into the off side.

First over of the day - a maiden.

10:53am: Pakistan legend, Sky and BBC 'TMS' commentator, Rameez Raja will be ringing the five minute bell today.

Ding-ding... seconds out (or minutes) and Trott and Broad will be walking down those Pavilion steps again soon.

10:48am: Phil Tufnell and MCC President Designate, Christopher Martin-Jenkins, examining the pitch this morning on BBC Test Match Special.

Apparently there's an interesting patch of rough around a good length for the seamers - made by Wahab Riaz's follow-through.

Pakistan's bowlers warming-up at Lord's
- click to view Lord's Twitter feed 10:36am: Here's a great snap from our exclusive Lord's Twitter feed.

Twitter.com/HomeOfCricket and we'll be 'tweeting' all the action from the match in digest form.

For a slightly more in-depth view, scorecards and photos of the action - stick with us here on Lords.org.

10:27am: Here are the Pakistanis at last - their bowlers at least.

Mohammad's Asif and Amir warming up with Wahab Riaz on a spare bowling track.

Pakistan will need them (the first two certainly) to be on the money this morning if they're to uproot Jonathan Trott (149*) and Stuart Broad (125*).

10:18am: The full England squad on the outfield now doing running drills to warm-up.

No sign of the Pakistanis - which is unusual. They're on the Nursery Ground this morning.

9:39am: A few England players milling around on the outfield - most heading for the nets in the MCC Indoor Cricket School. Eoin Morgan has just trotted under the Media Centre heading that way.

Some might make an unkind comment about some of England's top order needing the practice. We wouldn't be so unkind.

9:23am: Good morning on day three of the npower Test between England and Pakistan at Lord's.

And it is a good morning. The sun is out, the covers are off and three lawnmowers are chugging up and down the outfield giving the grass a final trim. It certainly makes a nice change to have lawnmowers on the outfield instead of covers!

If play doesn't start on schedule (at 11am) today I'll eat my laptop.

Day Two

7pm: Well, what a days play! Mohammad Amir looked to have stolen the show this morning with his magnificent 6-73 but he was overshadowed in the afternoon by Trott and Broad's 244-run 8th wicket partnership.

We will be back tomorrow morning ahead of the action on day three and our summary of day two is available now too. Thanks for joining us at the Home of Cricket.

6.56pm 111th over: Trott continues England's slow march in the last over of the day and there are one or two signs of disapproval from the crowd.

They cheer next ball however, as Umar Akmal dives over the ball at backward point and the batsmen collect two.

Trott then gets another couple with the final ball of the day, to deep mid-wicket and the England pair walk off to a standing ovation.

6.54pm 110th over: A leg-bye is the only run of the over but Ajmal does manage to find some turn with his doosra, Kamran Akmal taking the ball smartly down the leg sidde.

6.52pm 109th over: Farhat continues with his leg-spin from the Pavilion End as the sun dips down towards the Warner Stand and Trott gets a single to long-off.

6.49pm 108th over: Trott mistimes a sweep off the first ball of the over; a rare sign of agression. He moves to 144 a couple of balls later with a single into the covers.

6.47pm 107th over: Broad now has the highest score by a England No.9. and survives another appeal here from Farhat, the ball missing the leg stump.

6.42pm 106th over: Ajmal round the wicket again as the sun breaks through.

Broad is out! Tony Hill raises his finger after a doosra strikes Broad low on the pad. But no! Broad has reviewed it and it was missing the leg stick by a whisker!

6.40pm 105th over: Broad gets one off the first ball to long-on before Trott eases a single off the back foot to deep extra cover. Crowd starting to thin out here now.

6.38pm 104th over: Ajmal bowls a maiden to Trott who is distinctly uninterested in any sort of attacking shot.

6.36pm 103rd over: Farhat is eased to long-off by Trott for the only single of another quiet over.

6.33pm 102nd over: Ajmal continues and Broad rides his luck with a wild slog-sweep which squirts away to short-fine leg.

6.29pm 101st over: Farhat almost draws Broad out of his crease as Akmal whips off the bail, but despite a review Broad is not in any trouble and gets two though mid-wicket next ball.

Pakistan's luck has completely deserted them now. Broad edges a flashing drive past the slip Hameed at catchable height and then next ball is squard up by a googly which falls wide of ascrambling Hameed.

6.26pm 100th over: Pakistan look like they're already in the hotel, Ajmal allowing both players to collect singles off the back foot.

Butt would love to call upon his opening pair I'm sure, but the gut feeling is they are struggling with fatigue after a long summer.

6.23pm 99th over: Trott is playing for the close now, pushing Farhat to long-off for one and there is almost a run out chance when Broad thinks about a second run after driving to the right of long-on.

6.19pm 98th over: Ajmal is back over the wicket and Trott leg glances neatly for three.

Broad is struck on the pad and Pakistan review the appeal after Umpire Hill says not out.

But Broad will survive, the review showing the ball struck him outside the line of off stump.

Stuart Broad celebrates reaching his first Test century
- click for more photos 6.16pm 97th over: Broad and Trott are taking no risks against Farhat, who looks tidy if unspectacular with his leggies.

Trott gets the only run of the over to deep point.

6.14pm 96th over: Ajmal continues and Trott gets a sharp run to mid-on and things start to wind down here.

6.11pm 95th over: Salman Butt has turned to Imran Farhat's part time leg breaks for some inspiration but he drops short and Trott cuts for a single.

Broad defends tentatively a couple of times before he too gets one, down to deep square leg.

6.08pm 94th over: Broad gets three more off Ajmal, driving him up the slope towards the Compton Stand.

Trott has allowed Broad to hogg the limelight in the last few overs and happly hands him the strike with a easy back foot single to deep square leg.

6.02pm 93rd over: Wow, Broad is flying now, bringing up the 200 partnership with a superb, crisp drive through the leg side for four.

5.58pm 92nd over: Ajmal continues and Broad gets a single, squuzing it between point and cover.

Oh my, Hameed slides to fetch a Trott square cut which should have only brought him two, but fails to pick it up and the ball goes over the ropes.

Ajmal almost gets Trott next ball however as the 29-year-old is squared up by a doosra which he edges wide of slip for two.

5.53pm 91th over: He's done it! The ground rises to the England No.9 who clipped Amir uppishly for three to reach three figures for the first time in his first class career.

That was a very popular moment in NW8. The entire ground rose as one for the young all-rounder, who becomes the third English No.9 to make a Test century and the first since John Murray in 1966.

5.51pm 91st over: Pakistan are making this too easy for England who are collecting singles at will. Broad taps and runs to mid-wicket off Ajmal who looks unimpressed.

5.45pm 89th over: Birthday boy Mohammad Yousuf is starting to look his 36 years, letting Broad run a cheeky single from a defensive on-side push off Amir's first ball.

Bit of a snooker cue moment for Trott off the last ball of the over as he attempts to pull Amir, who is bowling round the wicket, only to toe it straight to mid-wicket.

5.41pm 88th over: Broad is hogging the strike and drives the new bowler Ajmal through cover for two to pass his highest first class score of 91*.

He doesn't want to hang around in the 90's for long obviously, hitting the spinner over mid-off for two and getting a single next ball with a pushed off-drive.

5.36pm 87th over: There we go, Amir bowls a beauty to Broad who edges it for four through the vacant third slip area.

Broad's fortuitous boundary takes him past his father's highest total at Lord's, made against Sri Lanka in 1984.

The young all-rounder moves into the 90's for the first time in Test cricket with a two pushed through the covers and a single worked off his hips.

5.29pm 86th over: Asif is a little bit more on target in this over, making Trott play, but there is very little movement out there at the moment.

There is a big appeal for LBW from a delivery which jags back but Tony Hill shakes his ead and the batsmen run two as it loops away over the slips.

5.25pm 85th over: Amir bounces Trott first ball. Not a bad option because Trott has been advancing to the seamers throughout this fabulous knock.

Trott gets an easy single and Broad plays and misses a couple of times. Still only two slips in place however; if one flies through there then Butt will feel a trifle silly.

5.20pm 84th over: The easy runs keep coming for England, Trott twice nudging the ball to deep point and Broad adding a leg bye and a two through the vacant mid-wicket.

He then unfurls a flowing cover drive which is stopped at full stretch by Umar Akmal in the covers.

5.15pm 83rd over: Amir, the only wicket taker so far today, is back on at the Pavilion End and Trott collects two with a neat flick off his hips, runs coming easily now in the late afternoon sunshine.

Just two slips and a gully for Broad. Strange given how well Amir has bowled today and that he has a new ball in his hand. Broad and Trott collect a single each.

Ticket news for tomorrow is available here if you fancy coming to what promises to be another absorbing days play.

5.10pm 82nd over: Here we go, Asif is back on and Broad will be facing a new cherry.

Broad flicks one uppishly to fine leg before Trott leans into a square drive which whistles down the hill to the boundary; Trott has not looked in trouble all afternoon.

5.05pm 81st over: Wahab continues with the old ball and Salman Butt appears to have decided to bounce Stuart Broad out with a leg gully and two men on the hook, puzzling tactics really...

Oh dear, that was horrifically short and Umpire Billy Bowden has a little stretch of his arms to signal a wide which takes England to 250.

5.01pm 80th over: Broad glances Ajmal for four to pass his highest Test score of 76 here against South Africa in 2008 and also passed 1,000 Test runs.

He celebrates by hitting the off-spinner over mid-wicket for another boundary.

4.55pm 79th over: Whack, Broad slaps Wahab for four off the back foot through the covers off the first ball of the over; superb strike.

Broad then moves to 70 with a brilliant straght drive through mid-on which flies away to the boundary in front of the pavilion.

4.53pm 78th over: Ajmal continues from round the wicket and Broad gets a single off the first ball.

Trott then continues to retreat into his shell, and sees out the rest of the over.

4.48pm 77th over: There is a conversation between England's centurion and umpire Tony Hill who reports it to Billy Bowden at the end of the over, not sure what happened there...

Wahab has replaced Amir as Pakistan tick towards the new ball. Trott is looking to rebuild his innings and happily plays out a maiden.

4.43pm 76th over: Ajmal to continue and Broad gets a single to mid-off to bring Trott on strike.

The England number three brings up a glorious century from 195 balls with a sharp single to mid-on, Azar Ali, who gives Trott an extra present by hurling the ball for four overthrows!

4.39pm 75th over: Trott goes to 99 with a three from the first ball of Amir's new over, slicing a drive beween slip and gully.

Broad gets two leg byes next ball before driving brilliantly over the top of mid-off for four.

Amir doesn't like that treatment from Broad and bowls him a pair of bouncers, the first of which he ducks before helping the second down to fine-leg for a single.

Trott will have to wait for his century however, driving the final ball of the over to Ajmal at point.

4.36pm 74th over: Ajmal stars this next over with a doosra to which Trott stands up and pats easily away.

Trott appears to be reading the doosra well of the pitch and defends another on the back foot before working the last ball down to deep square leg for a single.

4.31pm 73nd over: Amir is back on from the Pavilion End and Broad drives him crisply for two after the ball is half stopped at cover.

Amir then beats him with the next two deliveries as the lanky left-hander aims two rather flat footed drives at the 18-year-old's bowling.

4.28pm 72nd over: Broad reaches his half century with a uppish strike through mid-wicket to the Tavern Stand of Ajmal. Super stuff.

Broad's half century took him exactly 100 balls and included three fours and a six.

4.24pm 71th over: Trott goes into the 90s, steering Asif through point off the back foot for three and England's 200 is up.

Broad gets a single to mid-off's right before Trott advances and clips Asif for another boundary to bring up the 100 partnership.

4.21pm 70th over: Salman Butt must be counting down the overs till the new ball, his bowlers are looking flat.

Broad eases Ajmal for two off the back foot through point to go to within two of his half-century.

A couple of half hearted appeals for LBW against Broad are turned down to end the over.

4.17pm 69th over: Trott clips Asif through square leg for four, a lovely shot to take him to 83.

What a shot, Trott leans into a straight delivery and eases it down the hill to the mid-wicket bounday.

4.16pm 68th over: Ajmal is round the wicket to Trott who works him to deep backward square for a single.

Broad drives crisply to extra cover and defends well to end the over.

4.10pm 67th over: Asif is bowling too wide at the moment and Trott is happy to leave him alone on three occasions before cutting him to deep point for a single. The first run after tea.

Broad aims a front foot pull at the last ball of the over but connects with nothing.

4.07pm 66th over: Ajmal from the Nursery End. Broad is taking his time to get his eye back in.

Ajmal considers a review for an LBW appeal but they decide against it. Another maiden.

4.01pm 65th over: Asif to bowl from the Pavilion End, Trott on strike.

Trott has looked far more comfortable than any of the other England batsmen today and he plays out a maiden which features some solid defensive strokes.

So, the bell has been rung and the players have re-emerged from the Pavilion, Trott and Broad to resume for England.

3:39pm 64th over: This will be the last over before Tea. Amir to bowl it.

On your marks for those late gate tickets.

Amir adjusts his run and is clearly sizing Broad up for a bouncer. The England man sees it coming and hooks it away for a maximum - six!

Next ball and Broad is down on his haunches - it looks like that one may have hit him on an unpadded part of his leg before he scurried a single.

And that's Tea.

England 185-7 at Tea

3:36pm 63rd over: Ajmal hits Trott on the pads and wants him out LBW - but umpire Bowden is unmoved.

3:32pm 62nd over: Here's the bowling change at last and it's the six-wicket man Amir that returns to the attack - but from the Nursery End this time.

An odd decision that - given every one of the six wickets he's taken so far has been from the other end.

3:29pm 61st over: Broad tries to sweep that one but there's a bit of pad, bat and his shoulder on that one - it skips down then bounces up and over the 'keeper and slips and runs for four.

3:24pm 60th over: Another misfield from Pakistan - Broad a little slow to react, Trott was already on his way down the pitch. They run one.

A strong-arm drive from Trott and poor old birthday-boy Yousuf has another long chase on... and once again the balls beats him to the rope. Four.

3:22pm 59th over: Mohammad Amir waving his arms around in the field - it looks like he's trying to remind his captain that he'd like to bowl again.

3:17pm 58th over: Butt perseveres with Riaz at the Nursery End too.

3:14pm 57th over: Ajmal bowls his fourth over in this spell from the Pavilion End.

3:10pm 56th over: Riaz bowls another over which fails to trouble the batsmen.

Salman Butt must be seriously considering a bowling change - the batsmen look far too comfortable.

3:06pm 55th over: Another well run two adds to Stuart Broad's total.

That makes this a fifty patnership.

Make it a fifty four run partnership - Ajmal just floats that up for Trott who has all the time in the world to pick the gap for an easy four.

3:01pm 54th over: Riaz will continue from the Nursery End.

Around 40 minutes until those late gate tickets are available.

2:59pm 53rd over: Two more runs for Broad take him to 24, making him England's second highest scorer after Jonthan Trott.

Two more brings up the 150-run landmark for England.

2:54pm 52nd over: Broad and Trott running quickly between the wickets - and they had to there as Broad dives to make his ground.

2:50pm 51st over: Ajmal beats the bat (Broad just stepped around it) and Kamran Akmal standing up to the stumps... and it runs all the way to the boundary.

Umpire Billy Bowden calls 'dead ball'. No runs.

2:46pm 50th over: Riaz bowls the 50th over of the innings.

Mohammad Amir celebrates his five-for - he's the youngest man on the Lord's Honours Boards
- click for more photos Our Day Two photo gallery (right) is worth a look, some great pictures of Mohammad Amir celebrating a clutch of wickets.

2:43pm: And that's the drinks break.

England will be far more happy with things so far - just one more wicket down and Trott and Broad looking rather assured.

The drinks-carrying 12th men today for England are MCC Young Cricketers: Ned Eckersley, Paul Muchall and Iain Cockbain.

2:39pm 49th over: The spinner, Ajmal returns to the bowling attack again as Pakistan look for another wicket.

2:35pm 48th over: Riaz hits Broad on the pads and appeals.

Umpire Hill says no but Salman Butt has a chat to his bowler as they consider an appeal... but again decide against it.

2:30pm 47th over: The floodlights are coming on.

Another boundary, Trott scoring it this time. Head over the ball, a textbook shot into the leg side. Another aimless chase for Yousuf - a gazelle wouldn't have stopped that one.

Worth noting that today is Mohammad Yousuf's 36th birthday. The Pakistani was the last overseas player to score a double century at Lord's - back in 2006.

2:25pm 46th over: Two more runs for Broad who looks far more comfortable out there than some of England's more accomplished batsmen.

The bad news is, it's looking rather gloomy out there with cloud closing in again the light is fading.

Broad doesn't seem to mind the light though, he drives that one away off his hips for four more runs as he cruises into double figures.

The penultimate ball of the over is a yorker from Riaz and it raps Broad on the foot. From the final ball Broad gets a single and it looks as if he's limping a little down to the non-striker's end.

2:20pm 45th over: Once again Asif changes ends - he replaces Amir at the Pavilion End now.

Stuart Broad does look in decent form - certainly far better than he has in recent innings here at Lord's.

2:15pm 44th over: Pakistan change their bowlers around again, Riaz returns at the Nursery End.

Late gate tickets

Late gate ticket information is now available. After the Tea interval (set for 3:40pm) adults can get in for £25; under-16s can get in for free!

2:11pm 43rd over: A backfoot drive from Broad brings him two more runs.

2:08pm 42nd over: Asif raps Trott on the pad and the bowler has a long appeal.

Another conference with the fielders as they consider a TV appeal but decide against it.

2:03pm 41st over: A big edge from Trott - Amir forcing him to play again.

It zips wide of the slips though (just two of them) and that's four runs. Nelson (111) on the board for England.

Nelson (one eye, one arm, one leg) is, traditionally, unlucky for England batsmen.

Lucky or otherwise, Trott moves the score on rapidly. Another scurried single makes that his half century - his third of the series.

1:56pm 40th over: Generous applause from Lord's, especially in the Allen Stand where Amir trots to his fielding position. It has been a truly excellent bowling performance from the 18-year-old today.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Asif returns to bowl at the Nursery End.

Good shot from Broad, all the way up the slope. Salman Butt is a little quicker up the slope than Yousuf - but Broad and Trott sprint for an all run four. Good cricket.

1:48pm 39th over: Amir has his five-for!

Prior playing and edging and Kamran Akmal takes a comfortable catch - delight for Amir, who kisses the Lord's turf.

England 102-6 - Prior c. K. Akmal b. Amir - 22

Amir becomes the youngest player ever to make his mark on the Lord's Honours Boards.

Graeme Swann is the new batsman in. And now he's out again! Six for Amir! The fourth duck of the day for England.

England 102-7 - Swann c. Azhar b. Amir - 0

Swann wafting the bat (as so many have) and Azhar takes a good, tumbling catch in the gully.

Next batsman: Stuart Broad - and he's off the mark quickly.

1:42pm 38th over: Trott scores another boundary - another long but ultimately fruitless chase for the elder statesman Yousuf. 100 up for England.

1:38pm 37th over: Here come the players again - Trott and Prior for England, accompanied by the Pakistan fielders.

We'll start the afternoon session with the 36th over of the day and it looks like Mohammad Amir is warming up at the Pavilion End again.

The sun has gone in again which won't be entirely upsetting news for the Pakistan bowlers at least.

1:31pm: The sun is out! Lord's bathed in sunshine as the lunchtime interval draws to a close.

Drier conditions would certainly help England's under-pressure batsmen.

1:02pm: How do you think the match is poised?

Pakistan fans you must be feeling confident? And how good is Mohammad Amir?

England fans - would you drop Kevin Pietersen? If not, how would you help him rediscover his confidence?

Live@Lords.org - send us your emails, we'd love to hear what you think.

1pm: And that's lunch.

England 97-5 at lunch

What a morning session! Mohammad Amir takes four wickets in a fearsome spell of bowling.

Three England batsmen out for ducks, Kevin Pietersen a golden (first ball) duck.

Then, with the home side teetering on the brink, Jonathan Trott and Matt Prior pull them back from the precipice - for now.

12:56pm 36th over: This may be the last (or second last if he hurries) over before lunch.

Pakistan throw the dice before lunch, Yasir Hameed comes on to bowl.

12:53pm 35th over: Warm applause at Lord's, a single from Prior makes this a 50 partnership.

They're not quite out of the fire yet but these two batsmen have spared England's blushes so far.

12:49pm 34th over: Four more runs for Trott, he pushes his body and bat through that half-volley. No chance for any of the fielders.

12:45pm 33rd over: As lunch looms Pakistan make another bowling change, Saeed Ajmal replaces Asif at the Pavilion End.

Trott gets bat on that one and that's a very game chase from Yousuf all the way down to the boundary... but it just touched the rope. Four runs.

12:40pm 32nd over: Just 20 minutes until lunchtime and England will be hoping both these batsmen can hang on until then.

Pakistan would, of course, rather like another wicket just to cement their excellent start today.

12:35pm 31st over: Kamran Akmal standing right up to the stumps for this over from Asif - just two slips in place now though, more men guarding the boundaries as Salman Butt looks to dry up the runs.

12:31pm 30th over: Trott dinks that away for a single to move to 29 and that brings up 1,000 career Test runs for him. Congratulations.

12:26pm 29th over: Good footwork from Prior, clipping that one off his pads for the first four in eight overs.

12:23pm 28th over: Wahab Riaz continues from the Nursery End. He's used a large patch of sawdust to repair some of his foot-holes.

All the banter dished out to Trott and Prior, Pakistan are clearly trying to unsettle these rather settled looking batsmen.

12:18pm 27th over: Trott still striding down the crease now and again to Asif - much to the bowlers' amusement/consternation. More banter for the England batsman.

12:13pm 26th over: Trott having a chat with Umpire Hill during this over, as Riaz bowls to Prior.

Perhaps the England number three was a little disturbed by what Umar had to say.

12:10pm 25th over: That's a double change, Asif has changed ends, replacing Amir at the Pavilion End.

Asif nips one back at Trott, that may have stung a little. Umar Akmal skips in to collect the ball and pauses to have a little 'chat' with Trott.

12:04pm 24th over: Pakistan make their first bowling change of the day - Wahab Riaz replaces Asif from the Nursery End.

Riaz bowling over the wicket to Prior, jagging the ball across the right-handed batsman. The bowler's finding some bounce too.

12:01pm: That's the drinks break and Trott and Prior have survived for nearly an hour to steady England's very wobbly innings.

11:57am 23rd over: Amir and Asif both look like they've lost a shade of their 'edge' - hardly surprising both having bowled five overs each this morning.

11:52am 22nd over: Prior and Trott starting to look a little more settled, though Asif and Amir still finding plenty to trouble them.

11:48am 21st over: At last, England scoring some runs from Amir's bowling.

Wahab Riaz makes a game chase to cut that one off from Prior, just three runs rather than a possible four.

Mohammad Amir celebrates one of his flurry of wickets
- click for more photos 11:43am 20th over: As Asif runs in to deliver the 20th over of the innings, we've got another great photo from our day two gallery (see left).

Four more runs to England's total, they'll be added to Matt Prior's score but rather gifted by a misfield from Kamran Akmal behind the stumps.

11:35am 19th over: We're back to Amir, bowling from the Pavilion End still looking for his fifth wicket of the innings. Trott facing first.

Another one beats the edge - Trott and Amir exchange big smiles.

Just as Amir reaches his delivery stride for the fifth ball of the over, Prior steps away from the wicket at the last moment. Lots of apologies from the batsman, seems a wasp or something disturbed him.

Prior off the mark with a single from the repeated fifth delivery.

11:30am 18th over: First ball of this over from Asif and Trott has a big push at that and edges... but wide of the slips and four more for Trott.

That brings up 50 runs for England.

Asif is swinging it like a pendulum at the moment - Matt Prior beaten all ends up. This is great seam bowling from Asif and Amir this morning.

11:21am 17th over: It's the third duck of the day - Eoin Morgan has the misfortune to get it.

An England batsman drawn into having to play a shot and Morgan is caught behind at second slip.

England 47-5 - Morgan c. Hameed b. Amir - 0

Matt Prior the new man in and Mohammad Amir is one wicket away from a place on the Honours Board.

Last ball of the over and Prior drills that one to the gully fielder - did it carry? The umpires are having a long chat - they may need the TV umpire (Steve Davis) again.

A blurred TV replay is inconclusive - the ball beat the cameraman there. Billy Bowden says "not out".

It's another wicket maiden for Amir - and with a bit more fortune with that replay it could have been another double-wicket maiden.

11:16am 16th over: Your emails Bilal K has emailed us this morning:

"How are the stands filling today? Is it fairly packed?"

The stands look rather empty to be honest - especially given there are barely a handful of tickets unsold for today. It would seem the early start has caught a few people out.

Jonathan Trott gives the glum looking England fans something to cheer at last, drilling that one through the fielders for four runs.

Next ball and he's done it again, through the covers for another boundary. Good batting.

11:07am 15th over: Pietersen to face his first ball of the day, the talented youngster Amir to bowl it.

Got him first ball - golden duck! Disaster for Pietersen and England - 'KP' wafting the bat at a wider delivery.

England 39-3 - Pietersen c. K. Akmal b. Amir - 0

Two wickets in as many balls for Amir, he's on a hat-trick with Paul Collingwood walking out to face.

Collingwood blocks out the hat-trick ball - that will calm England nerves a little.

Amir raps Collingwood on the pads - there was bat on that but was it before or after the pads? Amir and his team-mates chat over a review and they're sending it for a review...

Replays show it pitching in line and hitting the stumps - the question is pad first, or bat?

It's out! Billy Bowden has the word in his ear and reverses his decision - Collingwood has to go. England collapsing.

England 39-4 - Collingwood LBW b. Amir - 0

England have lost three wickets for just eight runs this morning.

Eoin Morgan the next man in. As if that weren't a good enough over for Amir, taking two wickets - it was a maiden too.

11:02am 14th over: Kevin Pietersen is the new batsman in, fresh from having told the press yesterday that his confidence is very low. How he could do with a big score here - so could England.

Mohammad Asif continues from the Nursery End - a loud appeal for LBW against Trott on just the second ball. Umpire Hill says no.

A maiden over from Asif.

11:00am 13th over: And here come Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott for England.

We'll start with the last three balls of Mohammad Amir's over that was curtailed by the rain yesterday. Cook facing first.

From the second ball Amir has Cook playing a missing - then with the final ball of the over he's got him!

Cook has to play at that and he's gone, caught by the 'keeper by Akmal.

England 39-2 - Cook c. K. Akmal b. Amir - 10

10:55am: Michael Vaughan gives the bell a good shake and here come the players - Pakistan on the field quickly and into a last minute huddle.

With overhead conditions still rather overcast their seam bowlers could do some serious damage to England's batting line-up this morning.

10:51am: Former England skipper and now Test Match Special commentator Michael Vaughan will be ringing the five minute bell today.

10:48am: James Anderson and Tim Bresnan having a little bowling warm-up as Mick Hunt and the groundstaff team scatter sawdust near the pitch as a final move to soak up the last of the moisture.

10:43am: Confirmation of an on schedule start at 11am this morning - hurrah!

98.3 overs to be bowled today, to make up for some of those lost yesterday - all dependent on there not being more rain of course!

MCC Members in the queue shelter from the rain
- click for more photos 10:28am: Our day two photo gallery is up and running (see right) - admittedly just with more pictures of rain and umbrellas at the moment but there'll be more photos added throughout the day.

Far brighter out there now - former England captain Michael Vaughan watching the Pakistan bowlers warm-up.

Head Groundsman Mick Hunt is having a chat to the officials, against all odds we may even get an on schedule start at 11am.

10:10am: Good morning to those of you just joining us.

The news from Lord's is getting better by the moment. The rain of this morning has already vanished and most of the covers are off.

Both teams are on the field, England having a bit of a pre-match chat; Pakistan's players doing some running drills to warm-up. It is still rather chilly for August.

9:50am: Most of the covers are off now. The hover-cover is loitering with intent near the pitch and the bowler's run-up at the Nursery End is still covered - however, it looks far more promising out there.

The ground-staff have the brooms and paint out, preparing the crease. MCC's Head of Cricket, John Stephenson is out there overseeing proceedings too.

9:15am: Your emails Ameet P has emailed in to ask:

"Is the match still scheduled to start at 11.00am today or has it been delayed because of weather?"

Officially Ameet the start is still 11am. The rain has stopped and some of the Lord's ground-staff are dragging a large rope around the outfield to remove some of the surface water.

If there any possibility of an on schedule start the Lord's outfield and ground-staff will do their best to make it happen!

9:01am: Our coverage doesn't officially start until 10am this morning but we're sure you're keen to hear a weather update.

It doesn't look brilliant out there - full covers are still on. However, the forecast for later looks much brighter.

If you had to place a bet it may be on a delayed start but we're hopeful for much, much more cricket today. Stick with us for all the action from Lord's as it happens.

Day One

5:59pm: Just in case you missed anything (like a raindrop or two) or perhaps one of those 75 balls of the day, our day one summary is now available too.

5:55pm: Least surprising news of the day - play has been called off for the day.

Thanks for sticking with us through that! We'll be back tomorrow from 10am - hopefully with much better weather and far more cricket. See you then.

5:39pm: Goodness, it looks almost misty out there now the rain is so torrential.

Nevermind a fast-draining outfield you'd need a sponge the size of Lord's to soak this lot up.

A few hardy souls remain in the stands though, to be fair, not sure I'd fancy travelling home in this either!

5:23pm: At the risk of sounding repetitive, it's raining again.

One rather suspects that puts paid to the inspection set for about 10 minutes time. Play may well be called off soon.

5:15pm: Your emails - Rory H has dropped us a note again with an 'interesting' question:

"If the light is poor, to the point the worlds finest cricketers cannot play, with the floodlights on, how can Tony Hill possibly see the light meter with dark sunglasses on?"

Er... perhaps umpire Hill's light-meter has an illuminated display?

5:11pm: The ground-staff are brushing the standing water off the covers.

Word comes through that there'll be another official inspection at 5:35pm.

5:08pm: It doesn't look like they're quite ready to call it a day just yet. Umpire Billy Bowden seems to be pointing at the pitch (still under covers) perhaps they want to take a look at that too?

5:05pm: There goes 5 o'clock as well.

The umpires reappear, prodding the outfield with the points of their large umbrellas.

They're having a long chat to MCC Head Groundsman Mick Hunt. It all looks quite convivial but there aren't many smiles appearing.

The rain has stopped, for now, though it would take one of their super-human efforts from Hunt and his ground-staff to save any prospect of play today.

4:51pm: Ho-hum... this is all getting rather tiresome, watching the covers at Lord's.

There are still a few hearty supporters in the seats, mostly those fortunate enough to have a seat under cover.

Rain still coming down in sheets.

4:38pm: Guess what? It's still raining.

Even the stewards guarding the pitch (who are a pretty stoic and tough bunch usually) have umbrellas.

4:23pm: Amongst the heavy rain it gets even heavier for a few moments, absolutely pelting down - the scene went almost quite white in that deluge.

I fear it looks grim for any play today. However, if any outfield is capable of coping with this downpour it's the famously fast-draining outfield at Lord's.

4:15pm: A rather bedgraggled looking Steve Finn offers some of the remaining spectators something to cheer as he trots back from his net session.

No airs and graces for England's latest bowling sensation - he's carrying his own, large cricket bag back to the Pavilion.

4:11pm: 4 o'clock comes and goes and the rain seems to be getting heavier. It's a rather depressing scene here at Lord's - covers on, umbrellas up and not a cricketer in sight.

3:55pm: Both balconies rather empty now as, presumably, both teams enjoying their Tea break too.

The covers are still on.

3:39pm: Official news which will have a big effect on the late gate tickets - Tea has been moved to 3:40pm... as in right about now.

3:35pm: More England players on the move - Stuart Broad on his way back from the nets in the MCC Indoor School.

Did you know you can book a net session in the MCC Indoor School yourself. Practice your batting or bowling in the very same nets used by international stars.

3:27pm: The ground-staff are moving again... but they're putting more covers on rather than taking any off.

Oh dear - what a frustrating afternoon.

Players from both sides on their respective balconies. Eoin Morgan having a chat to one of the backroom staff on the home balcony.

3:21pm: To compound the delay, the covers very much on again. The rain isn't heavy but enough to have a few brollies up around the Ground.

The ground-staff are even sitting on the large rolls of the covers - never a good sign, they clearly don't expect to be removing them soon.

Late gate tickets

3:04pm: Late gate ticket prices are confirmed for today's play.

After the Tea interval (set for 4:10pm) tickets will be £25 for adults and free for under-16s.

• Full late gate ticket news & information

2:51pm: The MCC Young Cricketers on the outfield now, they help with the covers on days like this.

A fine tradition amongst the 'YCs' people such as Sir Ian Botham have been YC 'graduates'.

2:41pm 13th over: Trott driving nicely - he looks in fine fettle already - that one slowing up the slope but more runs for the new batsman.

Oh dear - umpire's Hill and Bowden have their light-meters out and floodlights or no they consider it too dark to continue. Players head off the field.

2:33pm 12th over: Pow - Strauss's bails fly into the air and Asif has the first wicket of the day.

Good bowling but Strauss left the 'gate' wide open there.

England 31-1 - Strauss b. Asif - 13

Some small consolation for Strauss - it's the first time in the series he's been out to someone other than a left-armer.

Jonathan Trott the new man in - who starts with a belting half-volley which the 35-year-old Yousuf chases down brilliantly... but it's an all-run four.

2:28pm 11th over: A bowling change for Pakistan, Wahab Riaz replaces Amir at the Pavilion End.

Riaz bowls more left-arm seam, so no break for Strauss who has been troubled by left-arm quicks recently.

2:23pm 10th over: The Lord's floodlights spark into life and suddenly the outfield looks a far lighter shade of green.

Asif is appealing again as Strauss is rapped on the pads but umpire Tony Hill is shaking his head before the bowler's even part way through his appeal.

2:17pm 9th over: In the ninth over and Strauss edges into double figures - on 10 now. A tricky session for the batsmen.

There's the first wicket - Amir is sprinting down the pitch celebrating as Cook is caught behind... or is he?

Cook has a chat to Strauss and he fancies an appeal... yes, they're appealing! The crowd are ooh and ahhh-ing.

There's the verdict - not out! A well-timed appeal for Cook, his bat hit the pad not the ball - though it was very close.

2:13pm 8th over: Asif is, like his bowling partner at the other end, finding some jagging movement. The ball dancing around a little off the pitch keeping the batsmen guessing a little.

2:09pm 7th over: The Lord's floodlights whizz almost noiselessly into action. The masts are extended though the lights not on - yet. More a 'just in case' at this stage perhaps.

2:05pm 6th over: Just three slips in place for Asif bowling to Cook.

Strauss has a big swing at that one, trying to pull Asif for four but rather mistimed it and just gets a single.

2pm 5th over: Amir is definitely bowling far better now after a wayward first over.

He's fizzing some seaming balls down at the England captain, Strauss, who fends them off well but the bowler definitely troubling him.

1:55pm 4th over: Strauss and Cook scurrying well between the wickets, two rapid runs there for the captain.

A solid push down the ground for three more for Strauss. A long (but willing) chase for Ajmal ensures it's not four.

A bonus run there - Cook scampering to the non-strikers' end, Ajmal shies at the stumps, misses and they run one more on the over-throw.

1:49pm 3rd over: Amir still struggling to find his rhythm - first ball of this over is a no ball - over-stepping by at least a foot.

Amir makes two, rather large, piles of sawdust on his run-up and with that ball he finds the edge! Cook definitely caught that one and it went to Umar Akmal at third slip... dropped!

Oh dear... that looked a rather simple chance.

Cook rubs salt into the wound - four runs from the next ball. Amir will be fuming.

Butt is backing his young bowler - no fewer than four slips in place for the final balls of the over to Strauss. The England captain is off the mark though, his first run is just a single.

1:44pm 2nd over: Another Mohammad, Asif, will bowl the second over, from the Nursery End. Alastair Cook facing for the first time today.

Asif spears one clean through Cook - there was a hint of a noise and Asif makes a loud appeal.

A bit of a conference between slips and bowler as they consider an appeal... but opt against it.

First runs off the bat today, just a single for Cook.

1:40pm 1st over: No surpises here, Mohammad Amir will bowl the first over of the day, Andrew Strauss facing first for England. This could be one of the crucial battles of the match - if not already from the series.

Not a great start from Amir! That one moved and seamed a little but it had already pitched outside leg and swung even further... it galloped miles wide of Kumar Akmal behind the stumps for five wide runs.

The other five balls are much better from Amir (couldn't have been much worse!), though nothing to unduly trouble Strauss.

Toss of a coin: Butt & Strauss at the toss
- click for more photos 1:34pm: Here's the first match significant moment of the day from our photo gallery - Butt and Strauss at the toss.

The Pakistan captain got the call right and in the moist and cloudy conditions available today that could make a massive difference.

We'll soon see - play just minutes away.

1:24pm: Andrew Strauss looked rather glum at having lost the toss and no wonder, Mohammad's Asif and Amir may well be swinging it around corners in these moist conditions.

Amir's got the England skipper out four times in this series already - the young bowler will be very keen to get at him again on this pitch.

1:16pm: This all looks very promising the start just moments away - it's all quite exciting!

Confirmation of the hours of play: close of play will be at 7pm; the extra hour will be factored into the match. There are 75 overs scheduled for today with Tea at 4:10pm.

Do remember that after the Tea interval there will be cheaper tickets available on the gate - given the delayed start and late finish they could prove great value today!

1:13pm: Toss news: Pakistan's captain Salman Butt wins the toss and he's opted to bowl.

Pakistan win toss & bowl

That could make things very interesting - with overhead conditions as they are the Pakistan bowlers will relish the chance to find some swing and movement here at Lord's.

Both teams unchanged.

1:06pm: Confirmed news of the toss & start - toss at 1:10pm; play to start 1:40pm. Hooray!

1:01pm: Covers coming off, sun is out. Things looking far more hopeful now.

The hover-cover whirrs off the pitch again to cheers from the crowd. The best they've had to cheer today!

12:51pm: The ever-reliable Lord's barometer known as Head Groundsman Mick Hunt's clothing is looking better.

From his full 'wet-suit' earlier Mick is now sporting a rather natty looking pink/peachy t-shirt. Things must be looking up.

Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Yousuf survey the rain from the away team balcony
- click for more photos 12:37pm: As the players tuck into another famously luxurious Lord's Lunch we've got another great photo from our gallery.

In the photo on the right you can see Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Yousuf looking rather glumly at the rain over Lord's. I think we can all sympathise with how they're feeling.

12:27pm: Your emails - Dave B is back again with a perfect explanation for the miserable weather today.

"It's raining in Reading (for the pop festival of course)..."

Ah, of course. A festival is not a festival without rain! We can blame it all on the revellers at Reading!

12:13pm: The rain has stopped but with the early lunch interaval (12:30pm) approaching the pitch is being covered up again.

One imagines the pitch, having been covered for most of the day will be more than suitable - it's the outfield and the gloomy light conditions which will be giving the umpires most concern.

12:01pm: Midday trundles past and we've yet to see a ball bowled today.

Still, our nick-name-game is keeping you amused:

Your emails - Rory H has sent us a few suggestions:

"At my club we have some slightly different nicknames for the players.

"Kevin Pietersen is known as "nuts" (as in KP Nuts) Cook is known as "Ali C".

"Since the ball throwing incident we have had Stuart Broadmoor."

Not quite sure if Mr. Broad is ready to be committed just yet - we need him for the Ashes!

11:56am: Our Day One photo gallery is up and running now. Lots of pictures of umbrellas and the like at the moment.

Official news on the match: Lunch brought forward to 12:30pm. The rain has stopped again now so hopefully that may give the outfield a chance to dry out a bit.

11:53am: Your emails - Dave B has emailed us at Live@Lords.org:

"How about: Andrew 'Blue Danube' Strauss?"

Very musical Dave. The expected teams and their names are on the left of this page... but feel free to send us any county or international cricket nick-name suggestions you have!

11:43am: We've had a few suggestions for nicknames on our Twitter feed Twitter.com/HomeofCricket:

@bnzss has suggested that Graeme Swann should be 'Chin'. Only mildly less obvious than 'Swanny' for the strongly jawed England spinner.

11:38am: Covers come off again. The ground-staff will have repetitive strain injury after all the on-off-on-off this morning!

11:30am: Still 20 minutes until that inspection so let's have some fun whilst we wait.

We were thinking earlier about some of the England players and their nicknames: Kevin 'KP' Pietersen; Alastair 'Cooky' Cook; Graeme 'Swanny' Swann... they're not exactly imaginative are they?

We're sure you can come up with better. Send us your suggestions:

Live@Lords.org

We'll publish the best ones here.

11:23am: Confirmation of another inspection - umpires Tony Hill and Billy Bowden will inspect the pitch again at 11:50am.

11:18am: Oooh! Sunshine! At last! MCC Head Groundsman Mick Hunt is still strolling around on the outfield and he's waved the ground-staff on again to remove the covers.

Hope soars again.

11am: 11 o'clock rolls around and the only thing on the outfield now is a tractor and the covers.

The players have run for shelter as have the umpires.

10:50am: Rain looks like it's getting worse rather than better.

In the meantime, MCC Secretary & Chief Executive Keith Bradshaw is chatting to Jonathan Agnew and Co. on BBC Test Match Special.

No doubt he'll mention MCC's new plan to aid the Disaster's Emergency Committee's fund to help the victims of the floods in Pakistan:

• Bid for a box to help Floods Appeal

10:43am: Still rather gloomy here at Lord's. Lots of people on the outfield still - Tim Bresnan charging down the bowlers' warm-up track - but the covers are very much on.

Umpires are on the field but they're huddled under umbrellas.

10:30am: Bah... just as the inspection is due the rain has started to fall again.

Brollies up and covers back in again. This could be a frustrating morning. Stick with us though - rain or shine we'll keep you entertained.

For instance, have you seen our fascinating stat-packs: Stat-pack: England & Stat-pack: Pakistan.

10:21am: The teams are unperturbed by the delay - they're preparing as if the match will start soon, as they must.

Both teams on the field now - Pakistan playing a game of football-tennis; Steve Finn, Graeme Swann and James Anderson turning their arms over and some slip catching practice for Pietersen and Bresnan.

10:16am: News from the umpires - they're not terribly happy with conditions. They're going to make a further inspection of the pitch at 10:30am.

That will inevitably delay things - we were hoping for the toss at 10:30.

Apparently the umpires are planning to look at both the damp outfield and the light conditions. Worth bearing in mind that floodlights are avaialable for this series - though only to "supplement natural light".

10:01am: Good morning to those of you joining us for our scheduled 10am start.

First a weather update. The covers are off... for now. The ground-staff are looking poised, just in case, but nonetheless the pitch is uncovered and the stumps are in.

The England squad are currently on the outfield in a team huddle, having a long chat - before they break away into jogging drills. It's chilly and overcast at Lord's they'll need a good warm-up!

9:39am: It's a rather familiar rain-covers tango at Lord's: on again, off again. They're mostly off now. The famous hover-cover is off the pitch which is being rolled at the moment.

Some covers still on the bowlers' run-ups but we're still clinging to the prospect of an on schedule start at 11am.

9:01am: Good morning. It seems so often we start our live commentary it's from "a slightly damp Lord's".

Same again this morning I'm afraid - but not as wet as some had feared. As I type the Lord's Ground-staff are taking the covers off, which can only be a good sign.

We'll be covering the match live and direct from the Lord's, the Home of Cricket. Stick with us for the latest score updates, action, photos and everything from around the Ground. It's the next best thing to being here!

New to our live coverage? Read our quick guide.