LEEDS: Harry Brook fell nine runs short of a century but England strengthened their grip on the first Test against Pakistan, reaching 366-8 for a commanding 195-run lead on a rain-shortened second day at Headingley on Thursday.
Brook produced a determined 91 to anchor England’s lower-order resistance after Pakistan finally found a breakthrough through spinner Ali Usman, who claimed a maiden five-wicket haul in his third Test.
The result left England firmly in control despite losing four wickets during the day. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled for consistency for much of the innings, but Usman eventually revived their hopes with a crucial burst late in the evening.
Earlier, overnight rain delayed the start until 2:45pm local time, with heavy cloud and floodlights creating ideal conditions for Pakistan’s seamers. However, England’s batters capitalised on the opportunity and extended their advantage instead.
Joe Root and Jordan Cox had earlier threatened to put Pakistan under even greater pressure with a third-wicket partnership worth 150 runs.
Root, returning to the captaincy under England’s new era, appeared on course for a century before he was dismissed for 66. The former captain played across the line against Khurram Shahzad and was trapped lbw.
Cox followed after reaching 73, feathering a delivery from Usman through to the wicketkeeper to end a promising innings.
Brook then took charge, putting together a 120-run partnership with Dan Lawrence, who marked his Test recall with a composed 51.
The England vice-captain was given a major reprieve when he was dropped on just one. He made Pakistan pay for the mistake, attacking their inconsistent bowling and moving England towards a substantial first-innings advantage.
However, Brook’s hopes of an 11th Test century were ended late in the day when Usman struck again. The spinner beat Brook for pace and turn, trapping him as he attempted to work the ball on the leg side.
The dismissal extended Brook’s wait for a Test century to 18 innings. His most recent Test hundred came when he scored 111 against India at The Oval in July 2025.
Usman was the standout bowler for Pakistan. He completed his maiden Test five-wicket haul by dismissing Gus Atkinson lbw before producing a superb delivery that turned past Ollie Robinson’s outside edge and clipped the off stump.
The five-for was Usman’s 13th in first-class cricket and the first by a visiting bowler at Headingley in 54 years.
The 33-year-old spinner’s achievement was particularly impressive given that only four sessions of play had taken place on a surface affected by persistent rain.
Despite the late fightback, Pakistan face a difficult task. England’s 195-run lead gives them a commanding advantage, while the weather-reduced second day has left the visitors needing a major turnaround to prevent the hosts from taking control of the Test.
With England still holding two wickets, Pakistan will need early breakthroughs on the third morning to keep their hopes alive.
