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England ended a rain-hit second day in a commanding position at Headingley, with Harry Brook‘s aggressive 91 helping the hosts build a 195-run lead despite Ali Usman‘s five-wicket haul for Pakistan.
Jordon Cox and Joe Root steady England after early pressure
More than four hours of rain delayed the start of play, but Pakistan’s bowlers made the most of the conditions once the action resumed. Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad found movement with the new ball and briefly unsettled England’s batting line-up. Jordon Cox, however, quickly changed the momentum. After initially struggling for fluency, the right-hander launched an attack on Shahzad, collecting four boundaries in a single over. Cox then joined forces with Joe Root to build England’s innings.
The pair brought up a century partnership for the third wicket, with Cox reaching his maiden Test half-century before Root followed him to the milestone. Their stand eventually crossed 150, allowing England to move ahead of Pakistan’s first-innings total of 171. Pakistan finally broke through when Cox edged a delivery outside off and departed for 73. Root soon followed, trapped leg-before for 66. By then, though, England had already taken a lead and put Pakistan under significant pressure.
Harry Brook makes Pakistan pay for missed chance
Pakistan had another opportunity to shift the contest when Brook was dropped at slip on just one run. Salman Agha could not hold on to the difficult chance and injured his finger in the process. Brook made Pakistan pay heavily for the mistake. The England batter responded with trademark aggression, racing to a 55-ball half-century. Alongside Dan Lawrence, he turned England’s advantage into complete control. The pair added 120 runs in only 25 overs as Pakistan’s bowling became increasingly inconsistent.
Loose deliveries were regularly punished, while the visitors also struggled in the field. Missed chances and unsuccessful reviews added to their frustration as England’s lead continued to grow. Brook eventually moved into the nineties before Pakistan finally found a way back into the contest.
Ali Usman sparks late Pakistan fightback
Usman provided Pakistan with a much-needed burst of energy during the final stages of the day. Lawrence reached his half-century but fell soon afterwards, top-edging a sweep against the spinner. Brook, who had moved to 91, became Usman’s next major prize. Attempting to work the ball away, he missed the line completely and was bowled, ending an innings that had threatened to take the game completely away from Pakistan.
Usman then struck twice in the following over, removing Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson with successive deliveries. His late spell gave Pakistan renewed hope after England had appeared almost unchallenged for much of the day. Jamie Smith survived the late collapse and remained at the crease with Jofra Archer, leaving England on 366 for 8 at stumps. Pakistan’s 171 now looks a long way short, but Usman’s five-wicket haul has ensured the visitors still have something to fight with heading into the third day.
Dominance in full display. England build a massive 195-run lead at Stumps on Day 2! 🏏🔥#ENGvPAK #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/bQrOsphMPG
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 21, 2026
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