Harry Brook leads England into commanding position against Pakistan after second day in Test match

Harry Brook fell nine runs short of a century but still played a pivotal role as England strengthened their grip on the first Test against Pakistan on a rain-affected second day at Headingley.

England reached 366-8 at the close, giving them a lead of 195 after Pakistan had been bowled out for 171 in their first innings.

Brook made 91 from 100 balls, continuing his fine form at the top of the England batting order despite being given an early reprieve.

The vice-captain was dropped on one at second slip by Salman Ali Agha, a mistake that Pakistan would come to regret as Brook went on to produce a fluent innings in difficult conditions.

England’s progress was briefly checked after lunch when Jordan Cox and Joe Root both fell in quick succession.

Cox, who resumed on 23 not out, looked increasingly comfortable as he reached his first Test half-century. He and Root put together a third-wicket partnership worth 150 before Cox was dismissed for 73.

The 24-year-old followed a delivery from left-arm spinner Ali Usman that turned enough to take the edge through to the wicketkeeper.

Four balls later, Root departed for 66, playing across the line against Khurram Shahzad and being trapped lbw.

Root had looked well placed to mark his return to the England captaincy with a century, while Cox was chasing his maiden Test hundred.

Their dismissals left England 205-4, but Brook ensured the hosts continued to build their advantage.

He shared a sixth-wicket stand of 120 with Dan Lawrence, who marked his return to Test cricket with a composed 51.

Lawrence attacked the seamers with drives through the on side and used sweeps against the spinners, but eventually fell attempting another sweep against Usman. He skied a top edge and was caught.

Usman then completed his maiden Test five-wicket haul by removing Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson with successive deliveries.

Brook, however, remained the key figure for England as he produced the kind of strokeplay that has made him the world’s number-one ranked batter.

The Yorkshireman was particularly effective against Pakistan’s seamers, helping England maintain a scoring rate of around 4.5 runs per over despite the gloomy conditions.

Pakistan had been presented with an opportunity to make significant inroads after rain delayed the start until 14:45 BST.

The overcast skies, floodlights and damp surface appeared to offer the visiting attack ideal conditions, but England continued to punish loose deliveries and extended their lead instead.

The weather made for challenging conditions away from the pitch too, with umpire Allahuddien Paleker officiating in gloves while England’s support staff watched from the dressing-room balcony in thick coats.

England had already made a strong start to the Test after dismissing Pakistan for 171 on the opening day. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 61, while Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson claimed five wickets apiece.

England finished the first day on 112-2 and were expected to face their biggest challenge from the weather rather than Pakistan’s bowlers on Thursday.

Instead, the hosts finished the shortened day in a position where they could potentially wrap up the Test inside three days.

For Cox and Lawrence, their respective 73 and 51 provided encouraging signs but also represented missed opportunities.

Cox has been given a chance at number three following Jacob Bethell’s knee injury, while Lawrence has returned to the side to fill the vacancy created by Ben Stokes’ retirement.

With Bethell expected to return when fit and Sam Curran having been identified as another potential option to fill the role left by Stokes, both Cox and Lawrence have a limited window to make a strong case for a regular place.

Their innings were valuable contributions, but neither went on to reach three figures.

Brook’s unbeaten charge towards a century ultimately ended nine runs short, but his innings ensured England finished the second day firmly in control.

With an advantage of 195 runs and two days still remaining, Pakistan face a daunting task to force their way back into the contest.