প্রকাশ: ২০ আগস্ট ২০২৬ ১৯:৪৮
By M Mostafa
LEEDS,20 August,2026 — England seized the initiative in the opening Test against Pakistan at Headingley, building a substantial first-innings lead after a dominant display with both bat and ball.
Pakistan, bowled out for 171, struggled to cope with England's pace attack on the opening day. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claimed five wickets apiece, dismantling the Pakistan batting order and putting the hosts in a commanding position from the outset.
England responded with the bat on Thursday and steadily turned their advantage into control. Joe Root led the way with a composed 66, while Jordan Cox continued his encouraging start to Test cricket with a confident 73. Their partnership of 150 for the third wicket provided the platform England needed.
Pakistan eventually broke the stand, but England's middle order continued to frustrate the visitors. Dan Lawrence made 51, while Harry Brook fell nine runs short of a century, scoring a brisk 91. Brook's innings included 13 boundaries and ensured England maintained a strong scoring rate despite Pakistan's attempts to fight back.
Pakistan's best response came from Ali Usman, who produced an impressive spell to claim his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The left-arm spinner finished with 5 for 91, removing Brook and two of England's lower-order batsmen to prevent the hosts from running away with the game.
England ended the second day in a commanding position, having moved well beyond Pakistan's first-innings total. With wickets still in hand and a sizeable advantage already established, the hosts will look to finish their innings quickly before turning their attention to Pakistan's second attempt with the bat.
For Pakistan, the task is becoming increasingly difficult. Their first innings exposed vulnerabilities against England's seam attack, while their bowlers have struggled to make sustained inroads despite Usman's late intervention.
The Test is also the beginning of a new chapter for England, with Root returning as Test captain following Ben Stokes' retirement. So far, his return has coincided with a convincing performance from the hosts.
Pakistan now face a critical third day. They must find a way to restrict England's lead and produce a far stronger batting performance if they are to remain in contention at Headingley.
— M Mostafa
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