England Build 195-Run Lead as Curran Is Ruled Out for Summer

England strengthened their position in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, closing a rain-shortened second day on 366 for eight. The Guardian reported that the total gave England a first-innings lead of 195 runs after play in Leeds was delayed until 2.45pm.

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Harry Brook led England's scoring with 91, while Joe Root made 66 and Jordan Cox contributed 73 in his first Test innings at No. 3. Dan Lawrence added 51, leaving England with four half-centurions but no century-maker as the hosts steadily extended their advantage.

Pakistan left-arm spinner Ali Usman provided his side's strongest response, taking five wickets for 92 runs. Jamie Smith and Jofra Archer remained available to resume England's innings, with Cox telling The Guardian that the team hoped to add about 50 more runs before turning its attention back to bowling.

Cox admitted there was some disappointment in failing to convert his innings into a maiden international hundred. He edged Usman behind after reaching 73 while filling the place of the absent Jacob Bethell. Cox said England's batters had hoped one of the four players who passed 50 would push on to a much larger score, but he also acknowledged the value of his own contribution.

The day also brought a significant injury update for England. The Guardian reported that all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out for the remainder of the English summer with a groin problem and was scheduled to undergo surgery on Friday. Curran had not been selected for the opening two Tests against Pakistan because he was not considered fully fit.

The injury rules Curran out of the third Test against Pakistan, which begins at Edgbaston on September 9, as well as England's white-ball series against Sri Lanka later that month. Men's national selector Marcus North had identified Curran as an option as England assess how to balance the side after Ben Stokes. Curran, a regular in England's limited-overs teams, has not played Test cricket since August 2021.