England vs Pakistan: Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jordan Cox make runs in Headingley gloom

BBC • August 20, 2026 • sports

Key Points:

England built a strong lead of 195 runs over Pakistan by the close of day two in the first Test at Headingley, reaching 366-8 after bowling Pakistan out for 171.
Harry Brook scored a commanding 91, benefiting from a crucial dropped catch, and formed a key 120-run partnership with Dan Lawrence, who made 51.
Captain Joe Root and Jordan Cox both missed out on centuries, with Root scoring 66 and Cox 73 before falling to Ali Usman's left-arm spin.
Pakistan's Ali Usman took a maiden five-wicket haul, including key wickets late in the day, but the team struggled to capitalize on favorable weather and bowling conditions.
England's middle order showed resilience and scoring fluency despite challenging conditions, while Pakistan's bowlers missed key opportunities to restrict the hosts further.