Leeds, August 20, 2026: Half-centuries from Jordan Cox and captain Joe Root put England firmly in control of the opening Test against Pakistan before the visitors fought back with two quick wickets shortly before tea on the second day at Headingley on Thursday.
England reached 239/4 at tea, establishing a 68-run lead over Pakistan, who were dismissed for 171 in their first innings on the opening day. Dan Lawrence and Harry Brook were unbeaten on 22 and 15 respectively at the interval.
Persistent rain washed out the entire morning session, delaying the resumption of England’s first innings until after lunch.
England resumed on their overnight score with Cox and Root continuing their commanding third-wicket partnership. The pair extended their stand to 150 runs and both completed impressive half-centuries as Pakistan struggled to make inroads with the ball.
Left-arm spinner Ali Usman eventually ended the partnership in the 44th over, having Cox caught behind. The 25-year-old opener departed as England’s top scorer, making 73 from 100 deliveries, including 14 boundaries.
Joe Root followed in the next over when Khurram Shahzad dismissed the England captain. Root scored 66 from 112 balls, striking 10 fours, as England slipped to 202/4.
The back-to-back dismissals briefly revived Pakistan’s hopes of restricting England’s first-innings advantage.
However, Dan Lawrence joined Harry Brook at the crease and the pair settled quickly, producing an unbeaten 37-run partnership to take England safely to the tea interval without further damage.
For Pakistan, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Ali Usman and Khurram Shahzad have claimed one wicket each in England’s first innings.
England had entered the second day in a strong position after Pakistan were bowled out for 171 on the opening day, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue taking five wickets apiece.
The hosts will now look to build a substantial first-innings lead in the final session, while Pakistan will aim to make further breakthroughs and prevent England from gaining a decisive advantage in the series opener.
