Harry Brook's rapid 91 runs proved costly for Pakistan on Thursday as England dominated the second day of the first Test at Headingley, building a substantial 195-run lead.

England concluded a rain-affected day on 366-8, significantly ahead of Pakistan's first innings total of 171. This performance marks a strong start for England in the post-Bazball era, aiming to assert dominance early in the three-Test series.

Brook was dropped at second slip when he had scored just one run, a mistake Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha would come to regret. The batsman went on to forge a crucial 120-run partnership with Dan Lawrence, who contributed 51 runs in his recalled Test appearance. Earlier, Joe Root, captaining again, made 66, and Jordan Cox added 73, sharing a 150-run stand for the third wicket.

Brook's aggressive innings, featuring 13 fours from just 93 balls, saw him fall just short of a century at his home ground. His dismissal, trying to play a shot to spinner Ali Usman, came late in the day. Usman was the standout bowler for Pakistan, taking 5-92, his maiden five-wicket haul in his third Test.

England resumed the day at 112-2 after an impressive display of fast bowling from Robinson (5-51) and Tongue (5-46) on Wednesday, who shared all ten Pakistani wickets. The morning session was washed out by rain, delaying the start of play.

Root, in his second stint as full-time captain, and Cox, replacing the injured Jacob Bethell, began the day with England in a solid position. Cox reached his maiden Test fifty with a boundary off Mohammad Abbas, showcasing his attacking intent.

The dropped catch proved to be a pivotal moment, allowing Brook, ranked the number one Test batsman, to capitalize and significantly extend England's advantage. This is the second time Brook has been dismissed in the 90s at Headingley.

Usman's spell, which included the wickets of three specialist batsmen and two tailenders with successive deliveries, provided a brief respite for Pakistan. However, England's substantial lead, built on solid partnerships and aggressive batting, puts them in a commanding position heading into the third day.