Brook reprieved on one, punishes Pakistan as England build commanding lead at Headingley
England closed the second day of the first Test against Pakistan on 366-8, a lead of 195, after Harry Brook turned a dropped catch on one into a near-century that stretched the home side's advantage at Headingley.
Brook finished 91 not out. He had been put down when he had scored a single run, and the reprieve proved costly for Pakistan, who had dismissed England's top order and were still in the contest at that stage. Brook added 120 for the sixth wicket with Dan Lawrence, who marked his recall to the side with 51.
The day started late. Morning rain wiped out the first session and play did not begin until 14:45 BST, leaving roughly a session and a half's cricket in fading Leeds light.
England's position of strength was built on the bowling performance of day one. Josh Tongue took 5-46 and Ollie Robinson 5-51 as Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings. Shafique top-scored for the tourists with 61. That left England trailing by 171 when their reply began, and they wiped out the deficit inside the first session of batting.
Joe Root, leading England in a new era after being handed the captaincy, made 66 before falling lbw to seamer Khurram Shahzad, playing across the line. Root had shared a third-wicket stand of 150 with Jordan Cox, who contributed a fluent 73 before being caught behind off the left-arm spin of Ali Usman.
Brook, overlooked for the captaincy and serving as vice-captain under Root, channelled whatever frustration there may have been into his batting. After the dropped catch he grew into the innings, finding the boundary regularly and farming the strike as the lower order chipped in around him.
Ali Usman was Pakistan's most effective bowler, returning figures of 5-92. The left-arm spinner accounted for several of England's middle order and kept the scoring in check during the middle overs, even as the deficit mount and the lead grew.
The match is the first of Pakistan's 2026 tour of England, scheduled across five days at Headingley from August 19 to 23.
For fans tuning in, the position is straightforward. England lead by 195 runs with two wickets in hand. A lead of 250-plus would give their bowlers a substantial target to defend — think of it as setting Pakistan a chase that demands they bat for the best part of a day and a half. Two days remain in the Test, and Pakistan will need early wickets on day three to prevent England from running away with it.
