England take 238-run oead as Pakistan struggle at Headingley

LEEDS: England strengthened their position in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Thursday, reaching 409 runs in their first innings to secure a substantial 238-run lead after Pakistan were bowled out for 171.

Pakistan’s bowlers managed to break through England’s batting line-up on the third morning, but the home side’s tailenders added valuable runs to push the total beyond the 400-run mark.

England resumed the day on 366-8, with Jofra Archer and the lower order looking to extend their advantage. Archer remained unbeaten on 23, while Jamie Smith contributed 25 before being dismissed. Josh Tong was also removed after scoring eight.

Earlier, England’s top and middle order had laid the foundation for the imposing total.

Harry Brook missed out on a century but made a valuable 91, while Jordan Cox scored 73. Captain Joe Root continued his dependable form with 66, and Dan Lawrence added 51.

The combined efforts of England’s senior batters ensured that Pakistan faced a demanding bowling assignment and left their opponents with a sizeable deficit to overcome.

For Pakistan, Ali Usman emerged as the standout bowler. The spinner claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, providing a major highlight for the visitors despite England’s strong batting performance.

Khurram Shahzad supported him with three wickets, while Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali took one wicket each.

Pakistan’s first innings had lasted only long enough to produce 171 runs, leaving their bowlers with the difficult task of restricting England and preventing the hosts from building an overwhelming advantage.

England’s ability to extend their innings through the lower order proved particularly costly for Pakistan. Archer’s unbeaten 23 ensured that the hosts crossed the 400 mark, while the additional runs from Smith and Tong further increased the pressure on the visitors.

With England now holding a 238-run lead, Pakistan face a challenging second innings. Their batters will need to produce a vastly improved performance if they are to prevent England from taking control of the Test.

The Headingley contest has already produced a contrasting display from the two sides: England’s batting depth has stood out, while Pakistan’s Ali Usman has provided a significant individual breakthrough with his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

The match remains a stern test of Pakistan’s resilience as they look to recover from their modest first-innings total and keep their hopes alive in the opening Test.