Harry Brook's fluent 91 underpinned England's dominant position against Pakistan on a rain-shortened second day at Headingley. The 195-run lead was built after England bowled Pakistan out for 171, with Matthew Tongue and Ollie Robinson taking five wickets each. Brook, overlooked for the Test captaincy, stroked his way to within eight runs of a century before missing a sweep off Ali Usman and being bowled. His reprieve when dropped at second slip proved crucial, allowing him to forge a 120-run stand with Dan Lawrence, who made 51 on his recall.

Joe Root and Jordan Cox both fell short of landmark knocks, their third-wicket partnership of 150 broken when Cox feathered behind off Usman for 73. Root departed shortly after, lbw to Khurram Shahzad for 66, leaving him frustrated. Despite the setbacks, England's batting lineup showed resilience, scoring at a brisk 4.5 runs per over against a Pakistan attack that struggled to impose itself.

Ali Usman claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul, removing Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson in quick succession. The match looks set for a swift conclusion, with England in a commanding position. For Brook, the innings reinforced his importance to England's new era under Root, even without the captain's armband.