Veteran paceman Mohammad Abbas took three wickets for four runs in 16 balls, including the prize scalp of England captain Joe Root for four, as the hosts slumped to 36-3, after Pakistan won the toss in helpful conditions for seam bowling.But Smith's 61 and 55 from number three Cox -- his second fifty in successive Test innings -- got England back into the game.Abbas had fine figures of 4-56 in 15 overs and fellow seamer Mohammad Ali 3-67 in 17 when the umpires ruled it was unsafe to continue despite the floodlights illuminating the ground."I think it is a decent enough day for us," Smith told Sky Sports after the close. "The ball was doing enough, nipping around -- overhead conditions obviously assisted."Pakistan were woeful in all departments during an innings and 103-run defeat in the first of a three-Test series at Headingley last week.They did, however, have the worst of the conditions after losing the toss before being dismissed for meagre totals of 171 and 135.It was a different story in London, with Pakistan captain Babar Azam opting to field on a green-tinged pitch under grey skies following a rain delay.Azam was the only change to either side, as he returned from a finger injury in place of stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha.England had dropped fast bowler Brydon Carse, who did not play in the first Test, from their squad after another late-night drinking incident.Abbas 'asking questions'Abbas, who has had stints with several English counties, was soon into his stride on a ground where he was named player of the match after taking eight wickets in Pakistan's victory in their last Test at this venue in 2018."My first man-of-the match was at Lord's, that's why it's my favourite ground -- hopefully I will put my name on the honours board this time," said Abbas, as he eyed a five-wicket haul.The 36-year-old was fortunate, however, when Emilio Gay glanced a legside ball only for diving wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan to hold an excellent one-handed catch.Ben Duckett fell for 17 when lbw to an Abbas nip-backer.