Harry Brook came agonisingly close to a Test hundred, being dismissed for 91 runs off 93 balls in what was a spectacular innings that anchored England's dominant batting display against Pakistan on the second day of the first Test at Headingley. Brook's blistering knock set the tone for a massive partnership that saw England amass a formidable lead, ultimately leaving the hosts at 366 for 8 at the close of play, well ahead of Pakistan's first‑innings total of 171. The innings was supported by substantial contributions from Jordan Cox, who made 73, the returning captain Joe Root with 66, and Dan Lawrence adding a tidy 51.
Together these scores built a mammoth 195‑run advantage for England, putting the visitors in a commanding position as they headed into the third day. Pakistan's bowlers, hampered by a rain‑soaked morning that delayed the start of play until 2:45 pm, managed only 58 overs before the day was called. The damp conditions meant the visitors could not exploit any early swing, and England's batsmen took full advantage of the relatively placid surface. Brook, currently the world’s number‑one Test batsman, was eventually clean bowled by Pakistan's promising paceman Ali Usman, whose figures of five wickets for 91 runs highlighted his skill.
This dismissal denied Brook the chance to convert his near‑century into a triple‑figure score on his home ground for the second consecutive summer, after he had previously fallen just short with a stunning 99 against India last June. Despite the disappointment, Brook's innings was a clear indicator that England are well on their way to a comprehensive victory. Pakistan now face the prospect of their ninth defeat in twelve Tests, a statistic that underscores the difficulty they have encountered against a side firing on all cylinders.
When play finally resumed after the rain delay, Cox and Root continued the aggressive approach they had displayed the previous evening. They entered the afternoon partnership at 112 for 2 and proceeded to dismantle a tired Pakistani attack with apparent ease, each moving steadily towards their own half‑centuries. Cox’s maiden Test fifty came as part of a 150‑run third‑wicket stand, which firmly placed England in the driver’s seat.
The partnership was broken when Cox edged a delivery from spinner Usman to wicket‑keeper Muhammad Rizwan. A review was mistakenly invoked despite a clear edge, ending Cox’s promising innings.
This dismissal came as Jacob Bethell, who had been ruled out with injury, was being replaced by the experienced No 3, further highlighting England's depth. Soon after, Root suffered a similar fate. Four balls later he was trapped in front by Khurram Shahzad, who claimed his wicket for 1‑111. This wicket left England in a precarious position at 202 for 4, a slight regression from the 198 for 2 they had been at just an over earlier.
Brook, however, steadied the ship alongside Lawrence after tea. Brook had been dropped on one early in his innings by stand‑in captain Salman Ali Agha, while Lawrence survived an lbw review and a close run‑out chance, both off the same Usman delivery, to remain unbeaten on 37.
Together they forged a massive 122‑run partnership that re‑established England’s dominance. Lawrence’s innings came to an end late in the day when he attempted an ill‑advised lofted sweep. The ball top‑edged and was safely taken by Rizwan for Pakistan’s fifth wicket.
Brook, on the brink of his first Test century at Headingley, was then deceived by another crafty Usman ball and fell just nine runs short of the landmark. Usman stole the headlines in the final overs, snaring two wickets in as many balls.
He first dismissed Gus Atkinson, who was caught in front, and then claimed Ollie Robinson for a first‑ball duck, completing an impressive maiden Test five‑wicket haul. The spell left England with Jofra Archer (0 off 3) and Jamie Smith (16 off 35) at the crease as the day concluded, with the side eight wickets down and poised to continue their assault on day three. Looking ahead, the third day of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley is set to begin at 10:15 am (11:00 am for the first ball, weather permitting).
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, or stream the match contract‑free via NOW. The match promises further drama as England aim to extend their massive lead and Pakistan strive to salvage pride after a challenging start.
Overall, Brook’s near‑century, coupled with substantial contributions from Cox, Root, and Lawrence, underscores England’s batting depth and resilience. While the rain‑affected start limited Pakistan’s bowling opportunities, the visitors capitalised fully, building a lead that will be difficult to overcome. The upcoming sessions will test Pakistan’s ability to respond, but as of now, England appear firmly in control of the contest.