Harry Brook's Brilliant 91 Powers England to Dominance After Costly Pakistan Drop

Harry Brook made Pakistan pay dearly for a dropped catch at the start of his innings, smashing a quickfire 91 to strengthen England’s grip on the first cricket Test at Headingley in Leeds, England.

England reached 366-8 at stumps on a rain-marred second day, building a commanding 195-run lead over Pakistan’s meagre first-innings total of 171. The day's only disappointment for the home crowd was that local Yorkshire heroes Joe Root and Brook fell just short of centuries, with skipper Joe Root contributing 66 runs.

Dan Lawrence, who was recalled following the international retirement of Ben Stokes, added 51 runs and formed a crucial 120-run partnership with Brook. Jordan Cox also starred earlier in the day, scoring 73 and sharing a 150-run third-wicket stand with Joe Root before Pakistan fought back.

Brook's lucky break came when he was on just one run, edging a delivery from Khurram Shahzad only for Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha—standing in for the injured Babar Azam—to drop the chance at second slip. Brook capitalized on the error, hitting 13 fours from 93 balls before left-arm spinner Ali Usman finally bowled him.

Usman was the standout bowler for Pakistan, claiming 5-92 in 23 overs for his maiden Test five-wicket haul. His victims included tailenders Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson, though Jofra Archer managed to survive the hat-trick ball.

Earlier in the match, England's bowlers Ollie Robinson (5-51) and Josh Tongue (5-46) had bundled out Pakistan on Wednesday, setting the stage for England's dominant batting display led by Joe Root and Jordan Cox.