LEEDS: Joe Root and Jordan Cox struck fluent half-centuries before Pakistan fought back with quick strikes at tea on day 2 of the opening Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley.
At tea, England were 239-4 and led by 68 runs. Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence were unbeaten on 15 and 22, respectively.
The start of the play was delayed due to persistent rain, which washed out the first session. After lunch, Joe Root and Jordan Cox batted with great composure and pounced on vivid bowling from Pakistan pacers.
The duo shared a 150-run stand for the third wicket, with both batters raising half-centuries. Cox was also handed a reprieve when Khurram Shahzad dropped a return catch off his own bowling.
However, Cox was dismissed soon after, caught behind off Ali Usman’s bowling.
The right-hander nicked one, but wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan didn’t appeal. Despite this, the umpire raised his finger to give the visitors a crucial breakthrough. Cox made 73 after facing 100 deliveries, peppered with 14 boundaries.
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At this stage, England were 198-3.
The wicket gave an opening to Pakistan as Khurram removed dangerous Root. England added only four to the total after Cox’s dismissal before Root was trapped lbw for 66 off 112 balls, including 10 fours.
Pakistan could have claimed another wicket, but Harry Brook was dropped in the slips between Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq.
Brook then stitched an unbeaten 37* alongside Lawrence to take England to the tea.
