Pakistan fielding lapses hand England control on Day 2 at Headingley

England tightened their grip on the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on Day 2 after a series of fielding errors by the visitors, including a chaotic mix-up involving Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Dan Lawrence. Speaking after the day’s play, Pakistan spinner Ali Usman admitted the mistakes were costly and said: “There’s no excuse for it. We should put in more effort. There were lapses in the field today and it cost us runs.”

Pakistan had been bowled out for 171 on the opening day and needed early wickets on Day 2 to prevent England from building a large lead; instead, England resumed at 112 for 2 after rain delayed the start by several hours. Once play began Pakistan were unable to sustain pressure, allowing the hosts to consolidate their position.

The most glaring incident occurred when Usman looped one to Dan Lawrence, who missed and was struck on the front pad with the ball deflecting to first slip while he was well outside his crease. Salman, ball in hand, waited for an umpiring decision rather than attempting an immediate throw; when he did release it the hurried effort hit Rizwan, who had moved across the line while appealing. The subsequent review showed Lawrence was not out.

Salman’s earlier drop at second slip allowed Harry Brook an early reprieve on one; Brook went on to score 91 from 93 balls, striking 13 fours and coming agonisingly close to a century on his home ground. Joe Root and Jordan Cox then compiled a 150-run partnership for the third wicket, with Cox making 73 and Root 66 before Root was trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad.

Pakistan’s fielding continued to cost them with a sequence of dropped catches and misfields and inconsistent bowling that allowed England to score freely. Cox also benefited from a let-off on 57 when Khurram failed to hold a return catch, while Usman provided Pakistan’s main positive by taking 5 for 92 for his maiden Test five-wicket haul, dismissing Brook, Cox and Dan Lawrence, who made 51 on his return to Test cricket.

England’s scoring rate of 4.46 runs per over underpinned their control of the innings, with Jamie Smith unbeaten on 16 and Jofra Archer yet to score at the close of play.

England finished the rain-shortened second day 366 for 8, a first-innings lead of 195, leaving the hosts firmly in control.