Top News

Delhi: England has strengthened its hold in the first test against Pakistan. There was a delay of more than four hours due to rain on the second day of the match being played at Headingley. Despite this, due to the brilliant half-centuries of Joe Root, Jordan Cox, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence, England scored 366 runs for 8 wickets by the end of the day's play. England has so far taken a lead of 195 runs in the first innings.

Root and Cox scored brilliant half centuries

For England, Jordan Cox and Joe Root made a brilliant partnership for the third wicket. Cox scored 73 runs, while Root also completed a half-century. There was a partnership of more than 150 runs between the two. However, Pakistan got two consecutive successes. Cox was out first and after a few balls Root also returned to the pavilion.

Brook played a fast innings

After this, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence increased the problems of Pakistan. Brook completed his half-century in just 55 balls. At the same time, Lawrence also supported him well. Together they made a partnership of 120 runs in just 25 overs.

During this period, Pakistan's bowlers bowled very loosely. The team also missed opportunities in fielding. When Brook was on just 1 run, Salman Agha could not catch him. During this, his finger also got injured. Brook took full advantage of the gift of life and played a brilliant inning of 91 runs. Lawrence also scored a half-century.

Ali Usman brought back Pakistan

It seemed that England had completely captured the match. However, Ali Usman made a comeback for Pakistan in the last 45 minutes of the day. He dismissed Lawrence shortly after completing his half-century. After this, Brook, who was playing on 91 runs, also got bowled by his ball.

Usman then completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson on consecutive balls. He gave a big relief to Pakistan by taking three wickets in the last half hour.

Jamie Smith and Joffra Archer were present at the crease till the end of the day's play. England has scored 366 runs for 8 wickets and has a strong lead of 195 runs. In such a situation, it will be very important for Pakistan to defeat England quickly on the third day.