Brook lifts England despite Usman five: 1st Test, Day 2 (Leeds)

England tightened their grip on the first Test during a rain-interrupted second day, closing on 366/8 to extend their lead over Pakistan to a commanding 195 runs.

Harry Brook set the tempo with a blistering 91 off 93 balls, while Joe Root (66) and Jordan Cox (73) anchored the innings with a crucial 150-run partnership for the third wicket. Dan Lawrence also made an impact on his return to the Test side, chipping in with a crisp 51.

Pakistan's lone bright spot was left-arm spinner Ali Usman, who claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul (5/92)—including a double strike in consecutive deliveries late in the day.

However, persistent fielding lapses from the visitors allowed England to capitalize. Jamie Smith (16*) will resume tomorrow alongside the tail as England look to stretch their lead past 200.

England 366 for 8 (Brook 91, Cox 73, Root 66, Lawrence 51, Usman 5-92) lead Pakistan 171 (Tongue 5-46, Robinson 5-51) by 195 runs.

Aug 2026.