HARRY BROOK SCORES 91 AS ENGLAND BUILD LEAD OVER PAKISTAN

Harry Brook scored 91 to help England establish a commanding position over Pakistan on the second day of the first Test at Headingley. England reached 366-8 in their first innings, building a lead of 195 runs after Pakistan's first-innings total of 171. Brook was dropped on one early in his innings, a reprieve that proved decisive in his subsequent contribution to England's advantage. Morning rain delayed play until 14:45 BST on a damp day in Leeds.

Jordan Cox made 73 before being caught off the left-arm spin of Ali Usman, whilst Joe Root scored 66 before being lbw to seamer Khurram Shahzad. Brook and Dan Lawrence, recalled to the side, added 120 together after Lawrence made 51. Root and Cox's third-wicket partnership had yielded 150 runs before both fell in quick succession. Pakistan's Shafique had scored 61 in the visitors' first innings, with England's bowlers Jack Tongue taking 5-46 and Ollie Robinson 5-51.

The weather conditions at Headingley presented ideal circumstances for Pakistan's fast bowlers, yet England's batting dominated despite the overcast gloom and floodlights. The match conditions were such that Pakistan could potentially be defeated within three days. Brook, the vice-captain, reinforced his importance to England's batting under captain Joe Root with his performance.