England vs Pakistan: Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jordan Cox make runs in Headingley gloom

First Rothesay Test, Headingley (day two of five)

Pakistan 171 all out: Shafique 61; Tongue 5-46, Robinson 5-51

England 366-8: Brook 91, Cox 73, Root 66; Usman 5-92

England are 195 runs ahead

Scorecard

Harry Brook sparkled in the Headingley gloom to build England’s commanding lead over Pakistan on a shortened second day of the first Test.

Brook, overlooked for the Test captaincy, reinforced how important he will be to England’s new era under Joe Root with a superb 91.

The vice-captain was crucially dropped on one and the reprieve allowed him to take England to 366-8, 195 ahead.

A stand of 120 with Dan Lawrence, who marked his recall with 51, came after Root and Jordan Cox both missed out on landmark centuries.

Root looked set to announce the beginning of his second spell as captain with a ton, while Cox was on course for a maiden hundred.

But their third-wicket partnership of 150 was ended when the impressive Cox feathered behind off the left-arm spin of Ali Usman for 73.

Four balls later, Root was left angry with himself by playing across the line to seamer Khurram Shahzad to be lbw for 66.

Nevertheless, Brook ensured England used the play possible on a damp, dank day in Leeds to cement their advantage.

Morning rain delayed the action until 14:45 BST. The clouds and floodlights should have given Pakistan the conditions to get back into the match. Instead, they could be beaten inside three days.