Harry Brook makes Pakistan pay after costly drop

Harry Brook's quickfire 91 not out helped England strengthen their hold on the first Test at Headingley, coming just days after Pakistan dropped him at the start of his innings. England were 366-8 at the close of the rain-affected second day, 195 runs ahead of Pakistan's modest 171 in their first innings. The only disappointment for fans was that neither Yorkshire hero Joe Root nor Harry Brook managed to reach the century milestone.

Root departed for 66, while Brook was eventually dismissed late in the day. However, Robinson and Tongue starred as Pakistan closed their innings at 171 all out. Jordan Cox (73) and Root had shared an excellent third-wicket stand of exactly 150 before falling in rapid succession, giving Pakistan a faint hope in the three-Test series.

Brook's dismissal came after he edged Khurram Shahzad, who made a diving save at second slip. Brook would have been on the verge of his first Test century at Headingley, his 11th in 39 matches, had he not been denied by the diving Salman Ali Agha, who replaced the injured Babar Azam. Brook faced only 93 balls, hitting 13 fours. This was Brook's second Test 90, following his 99 against India in the previous year.

Usman was the standout bowler on an otherwise ineffective all-pace attack, claiming 5-92 in 23 overs and taking his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket in his third match. After dismissing three specialist batsmen, Usman removed tailenders Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson with successive deliveries before Jofra Archer held on for a hat-trick ball.

England resumed on 112-2 after a washed-out morning session, with Robinson (5-51) and Josh Tongue (5-46) having taken all 10 Pakistan wickets between them on Wednesday. Root and Cox put on 150 for the third wicket, with Cox being the hero when he turned Abbas past leg slip for his maiden fifty in just 78 balls. However, the lack of ruthlessness from England, demonstrated by Root and Cox's inability to add to their score, was a concern for the hosts, despite their strong start.