Joe Root posted a half-century as England’s skipper led his side’s attempt to avoid a crushing defeat against Pakistan at Lord’s.

Root’s side were bowled out for 184 after winning the toss on day one of the first NatWest Test and started their second innings with a deficit of 179 runs.

Openers Alastair Cook and Mark Stoneman departed cheaply to give the tourists hope of an innings victory but Root led England’s fightback.

Root battled to 50 runs from 93 deliveries to take England to 76 for two in the afternoon, still 103 behind, with Dawid Malan not out on seven having faced 39 balls.

Before lunch, Cook was lbw to Mohammad Abbas for one and Stoneman looked uncomfortable in his 45-ball stay before he was bowled by spinner Shadab Khan having made nine.

Earlier, Pakistan added 13 to their overnight total before they were bowled out for 363, with Mark Wood having Abbas caught behind in the day’s fifth over.