England all out for 409, take 238-run lead over Pakistan
The total gave England a commanding 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171 in their first innings.
England’s middle order played a key role in building the sizeable total, with Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Joe Root and Dan Lawrence all scoring half-centuries. However, none of the four batters managed to convert their innings into a century.
Harry Brook falls short of century
Harry Brook led England’s batting with a fluent 91 off 93 balls. He narrowly missed out on a century but played an important role in helping England build a strong first-innings lead.
Jordan Cox continued his impressive debut with 73, while Joe Root scored 66. Dan Lawrence also contributed 51 as England’s middle order repeatedly frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers.
Jordan Cox scores maiden Test fifty
Cox, who was brought into the England side after Jacob Bethell suffered an injury, scored his maiden Test half-century. His innings of 73 helped England strengthen their position as Pakistan’s bowlers searched for quick breakthroughs.
Root and Lawrence also passed the 50-run mark, giving England several important contributions through the middle order. Despite having four half-centurions, England were eventually bowled out for 409.
Ali Usman claims maiden five-wicket haul
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman was Pakistan’s standout bowler and claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He finished with figures of 5-92 and took some important wickets, including those of Brook and Lawrence.
His performance gave Pakistan some success despite England building a substantial first-innings advantage. The five-wicket haul was also a personal milestone for Usman in the longest format of the game.
England complete innings on third day
England resumed the third day on 366-8 and added further runs before being bowled out for 409. Jamie Smith added 25 runs before falling while attempting a pull shot.
Josh Tongue also made a late contribution before being bowled by Khurram Shahzad, bringing England’s innings to an end. Pakistan were then left with the difficult task of overcoming a 238-run deficit in their second innings.
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Pakistan seek recovery after first-innings collapse
Pakistan had earlier been bowled out for 171 after England won the toss and elected to field. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claimed five wickets each as England’s bowlers dominated Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 61, while Imam-ul-Haq contributed 42. Pakistan’s low first-innings total allowed England to take control of the match before building their commanding lead.
Three-Test series continues after Leeds
The three-Test series began in Leeds on August 19. The second Test is scheduled to be played at Lord’s from August 27, while the third Test will take place at Edgbaston from September 9.
Pakistan entered the series without regular captain Babar Azam, who was ruled out of the Leeds Test after suffering a hand injury during the team’s warm-up match. Salman Ali Agha was appointed stand-in captain for the opening Test.
