Muhammad Amanullah | August 22, 2026
LEEDS: England were bowled out for 409 in their first innings at Headingley on Saturday, taking a 238-run lead over Pakistan in the opening Test of the series. Pakistan had been dismissed for 171 in their first innings.
England resumed their innings on the third day at 366-8 and added another 43 runs before losing their final two wickets.
The lower order continued to resist Pakistan’s bowlers and helped England build a substantial lead before the innings came to an end.
Brook misses century by nine runs
Harry Brook top-scored for England with 91, falling just nine runs short of a century.
Jordan Cox made 73, while former captain Joe Root contributed 66 and Dan Lawrence scored 51.
Jimmy Smith added 25 in the lower order, while Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 23. Josh Tong was dismissed for eight as England’s innings came to an end at 409.
The contributions from England’s middle and lower order proved important after Pakistan had made early inroads with the ball.
Ali Usman claims maiden five-wicket haul
For Pakistan, Ali Usman was the standout bowler, claiming his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
He dismissed several of England’s key batters and played an important role in restricting the hosts after they had moved into a strong position.
Despite his impressive figures, Pakistan were unable to prevent England from establishing a 238-run advantage.
Pakistan face crucial second innings
With England holding a substantial first-innings lead, Pakistan now face a major challenge in their second innings.
Pakistan will need to erase the 238-run deficit before setting England a target. The visitors will also have to negotiate an England bowling attack that caused significant problems during their first innings.
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tong had taken five wickets each when Pakistan were dismissed for 171, underlining the challenge facing the Pakistani batting line-up.
Pakistan need a strong response
The second innings could prove decisive in determining the direction of the Test.
Pakistan will first need to avoid losing early wickets and build a sizeable partnership to reduce England’s advantage. A strong batting performance would give the visitors a chance of putting pressure back on the hosts.
England, meanwhile, will look to use their first-innings lead to maintain control of the match and put Pakistan under further pressure with the ball.
With England 238 runs ahead, Pakistan’s response in the second innings will be crucial to their chances of staying in contention at Headingley.
