England mounted a determined fightback on a truncated opening day of the second Test, battling through tough conditions to finish at 248-9 against an improved Pakistan side.

Confronted by an inspired bowling attack and difficult batting conditions, middle-order stalwarts Jamie Smith and Jordan Cox displayed immense grit to anchor the innings and drag the visitors to a competitive first-innings tally.

With wickets tumbling at key intervals, the resilient stand has kept the contest finely poised heading into day two.