LEEDS, United Kingdom: Harry Brook’s blistering 91 helped England build a 195-run lead over Pakistan on the second day of the first Test at Headingley on Thursday, despite left-arm spinner Ali Usman’s maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
England reached 366-8 at stumps after Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings. Jamie Smith was unbeaten on 16, while Jofra Archer had yet to score.
Brook fell nine runs short of a century after striking 13 fours in a 93-ball innings. His aggressive knock helped England recover from the loss of Joe Root and Jordan Cox and put the hosts firmly in control.
Brook, Lawrence build on England’s lead
Persistent rain washed out the entire morning session, delaying the start of play until after lunch.
England resumed on 83-2, with Root and Cox continuing their overnight partnership. The pair added 150 for the third wicket and took England beyond Pakistan’s first-innings total.
Both batters completed half-centuries before Usman finally ended the partnership in the 44th over.
Cox was caught behind for 73 from 100 balls, with 14 boundaries. England were 198-3 after his dismissal.
Root followed in the next over. Khurram Shahzad trapped the former England captain lbw for 66 from 112 balls, including 10 fours, leaving the hosts at 202-4.
Pakistan had earlier missed an opportunity to dismiss Brook when he was dropped in the slips.
Brook then joined Dan Lawrence and the pair steadied the innings. They added 120 for the fifth wicket and both reached half-centuries as England moved beyond 300.
Usman completes maiden five-wicket haul
Usman eventually broke the partnership in the 70th over when he dismissed Lawrence for 51 from 79 balls.
Brook continued to attack and added 34 with Smith before Usman removed him in the 76th over.
Brook’s dismissal for 91 left England at 354-6 and denied him a deserved century.
Usman then struck twice in the 80th over, dismissing Gus Atkinson for three and Ollie Robinson for a duck to complete his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests.
England reached 366-8 before play ended, with Smith and Archer at the crease.
For Pakistan, Usman was the standout bowler with 5-104. Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Shahzad also claimed wickets.
England’s position strengthened considerably after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in their first innings.
The hosts now lead by 195 runs with two wickets remaining. Smith and Archer will resume England’s innings on Friday.
