Ali Usman takes five as England seize control at Headingley

WEB DESK: Ali Usman claimed five wickets to lead Pakistan’s bowling effort on a rain-shortened second day of the first Test at Headingley, but England still moved into a commanding position after Harry Brook’s 91.

Brook fell to Usman after making 91 from 93 balls, ending an innings that included 13 fours and extended his remarkable record against Pakistan. His dismissal was Usman’s fourth explicitly mentioned wicket as he finished with figures of 5-92.

England closed the day on 366-8, giving them a 195-run first-innings lead with two wickets still in hand.

Brook, who was dropped on one at second slip by Salman Ali Agha off Khurram Shahzad, took advantage of Pakistan’s bowling as he moved beyond an average of 85 in his 12 Test appearances against them.

The Yorkshire batter shared a fifth-wicket partnership of 120 with Dan Lawrence, who made 51 from 79 balls on his return to Test cricket after a two-year absence.

Lawrence, recalled after the retirement of Ben Stokes, top-edged a sweep off Usman to depart after making a positive return.

Usman then struck again in the 80th over, dismissing Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson with successive deliveries to complete his five-wicket haul.

England’s total had earlier been built on a 150-run partnership between Joe Root and Jordan Cox.

Root made 66, his 109th Test innings of 50 or more, while Cox scored 73 — the first half-century of his Test career.

Cox was given an opportunity at No. 3 because of Jacob Bethell’s knee injury and made the most of it, hitting seven fours off Khurram Shahzad in the space of 12 balls on his way to his maiden Test half-century.

Pakistan eventually removed both batters in quick succession. Cox misjudged the length of a full delivery from Usman and was caught behind, while Root was trapped lbw by Shahzad after playing across a straight delivery.

Pakistan were also hurt by some poor ground fielding during the innings as England continued to build their advantage.

Despite Usman’s five-wicket haul, England ended the day firmly in control, with their lead standing at 195 runs and two first-innings wickets remaining.

Pakistan, who last won a Test in England eight years ago, now face a difficult task with better weather forecast for the remaining three days.