ENG vs PAK 1st Test, Day 2: England batters take game away from Pakistan despite Ali Usman's five-for

England have tightened their grip on the Headingley Test, extending their lead to 195 runs after closing day two at 366/8, with wicketkeeper‑batter Jamie Smith (16) and Jofra Archer (0) unbeaten at the crease.

Once play resumed following hours of persistent drizzle, the overnight pair of Jordan Cox and Joe Root added 86 runs before falling in quick succession, just three deliveries apart. Cox made a fluent 73 with 14 boundaries before left‑arm orthodox bowler Ali Usman found his edge, with Mohammad Rizwan completing a comfortable catch.

Root then suffered a lapse in concentration, missing a whip to a delivery that jagged back sharply from Khurram Shahzad and struck him below the knee roll. He was given out on the field, and the third umpire upheld the decision after the England captain opted for a review. Root departed for 66, which included 10 fours.

Those expecting Pakistan to surge back into the contest after the double strike were left surprised, as Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence steadied England with a 120‑run stand for the fifth wicket, pushing the hosts towards a commanding first‑innings lead.

Lawrence produced a composed half‑century, decorated with nine fours, adding much‑needed stability to England’s lower middle order. Brook, meanwhile, was unfortunate to miss out on a well‑deserved hundred, falling for a 93‑ball 91 to Usman. His innings featured 13 fours and kept Pakistan working hard on a soggy day at Headingley.

Brook’s dismissal triggered two quick wickets, with Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson removed in short order. Usman stood out for Pakistan, finishing with impressive figures of 5/92, the lone bright spot for the visitors.

England squad

Joe Root (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox (WK‑Batter), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence (Batting Allrounder), Gus Atkinson (Bowling Allrounder), Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Ollie Pope (WK‑Batter), Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Ollie Robinson, Matthew Fisher

Pakistan squad 

Joe Root (C), Jamie Smith (WK), Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox (WK‑Batter), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence (Batting Allrounder), Gus Atkinson (Bowling Allrounder), Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Ollie Pope (WK‑Batter), Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Ollie Robinson, Matthew Fisher