Harry Brook hit 91 as England built a commanding first-Test lead over Pakistan on a rain-shortened second day at Headingley, reinforcing his importance to the team's new era under captain Joe Root despite missing out on the captaincy himself. Brook was dropped early on but made the most of his reprieve, playing fluently in gloomy conditions that might otherwise have favoured Pakistan's seam attack, and the strong batting display puts England in a position to potentially win inside three days.

England reached 366-8, a lead of 195, after bowling Pakistan out for 171. Joe Root (66) and Jordan Cox (73) both fell agonisingly short of centuries in a 150-run third-wicket stand, before Brook added 120 with the recalled Dan Lawrence (51). Play was delayed until 14:45 BST by morning rain, yet England still scored at 4.5 runs per over, exploiting loose bowling from a Pakistan attack missing the weapons to trouble Brook, who is the world's top-ranked Test batter.