Brook falls nine short again as England build commanding lead against Pakistan at Headingley
Harry Brook missed his 11th Test hundred by nine runs on the second day of the first Rothesay Test at Headingley, dismissed for 91 as England reached 366 for eight at stumps — a lead of 195 over Pakistan (The Guardian).
Brook, the world's top-ranked batter, was bowled by left-arm spinner Ali Usman attempting to push the ball through mid-wicket. The dismissal carried an echo: in the summer of 2025, Brook had been out for 99 against India at the same ground. Headingley, his home pitch, still awaits a century from him.
Usman proved the thorn in England's evening. Having removed Brook, he struck twice more before stumps to drag Pakistan back into a match that had been slipping away briskly. His three-wicket burst in the final session gave the tourists a foothold they barely deserved through the middle of the day.
England began day two on 112 for two, 59 behind, after bowling Pakistan out for 171 on the opening day (Telegraph). The morning belonged to Joe Root, captaining the side, who moved serenely to 66. Jordan Cox added 73 and Dan Lawrence chipped in with 51, three half-centuries that pushed England into the lead without much alarm.
By the time England reached 283 for four after 61.5 overs, the advantage had swollen to 112 (BBC Sport). Brook and Lawrence had rebuilt after a clatter of wickets around the 50-over mark, when England were 224 for four with both new batters on 11 (The Guardian).
Brook's 91 came from 93 balls (The Times) — a pace that speaks to England's intent under the aggressive approach they have made their trademark. He struck with power and placement, finding gaps and clearing the infield, until Usman's delivery beat his attempted mid-wicket push and rearranged the stumps.
For Pakistan, the memory of Brook's 317 at Multan in October 2024 — the fifth-highest Test score by an Englishman and only the sixth triple century in England's history — will have made every over he survived feel heavier. England declared on 823 for seven that day (ECB). Usman's intervention ensured there would be no repeat.
England's position remains strong. A lead of 195 with two wickets in hand gives them a platform from which to press for a first-innings advantage large enough to dictate the match. Pakistan, for their part, will hope Usman's late burst is a sign of turn and variable bounce to come on a surface that has already produced 537 runs across two days for the loss of 18 wickets.
The three-match series, officially titled the Rothesay Test series, continues through August and September (ECB). England named a 16-player squad for the opening two Tests (ECB), a group from which Root has stepped up to lead.
For Brook, the wait for a Headingley hundred goes on. Nine runs short, again. The contest resumes on day three.
