Pakistan's fielding horror show hands England control on Day 2 of Leeds Test

Pakistan's fielding proved costly on a rain-hit Day 2 at Headingley as England piled on 366/8. A bizarre Rizwan-Salman-Lawrence mix-up, dropped chances and misfields summed up a frustrating outing for the visitors.Pakistan’s fielding woes were exposed by a bizarre Rizwan-Salman-Lawrence mix-up. (Photo: Reuters)Pakistan’s below-par fielding on Day 2 of the first Test against England was summed up by a bizarre mix-up involving Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Dan Lawrence at Headingley. What should have been a straightforward run-out opportunity instead became another example of the visitors’ lack of sharpness as England tightened their grip on the Test.Speaking after the day’s play, Pakistan spinner Ali Usman admitted the team’s fielding lapses were costly and insisted there was no excuse for the lack of effort.ENG vs PAK, 1st Test Day 2: HIGHLIGHTS“There’s no excuse for it. We should put in more effort. There were lapses in the field today and it cost us runs.” WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: The most glaring moment came when Usman looped one towards Lawrence, who failed to connect and was struck on the front pad, with the ball deflecting towards first slip. Lawrence was well outside his crease, but Salman, ball in hand, waited for an umpiring decision instead of immediately attempting the run-out.When the Pakistan captain finally threw at the stumps, his hurried effort struck Rizwan, who had moved across the line while appealing. The review eventually showed Lawrence was not out, but the sequence perfectly captured Pakistan’s frustrating day in the field. The lapses came after Pakistan had already been bowled out for 171 on the opening day and needed early wickets to prevent England from building a significant advantage. Instead, dropped catches, misfields and inconsistent bowling allowed the hosts to score freely, with England eventually taking a substantial first-innings lead.BROOK PUNISHES PAKISTAN ERRORSEngland resumed at 112 for 2 after rain delayed the start by several hours, and Pakistan struggled to build sustained pressure once play began.Harry Brook was given an early reprieve when Salman dropped him at second slip on just one. The Yorkshire batter responded by scoring a measured 91 from 93 balls, hitting 13 fours and coming agonisingly close to a century on his home ground.Joe Root and Jordan Cox then added 150 for the third wicket, with both reaching half-centuries. Cox, playing only his second Test, scored 73, while Root made 66 before being trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad.Pakistan’s fielding continued to let them down, with Cox also receiving a life on 57 when Khurram failed to hold a return catch.ENGLAND BUILD COMMANDING LEADUsman eventually provided Pakistan with their biggest bright spot, claiming 5 for 92 for his maiden Test five-wicket haul. He dismissed Brook, Cox and Dan Lawrence, who made 51 on his return to Test cricket.England still finished the day on 366 for 8, giving them a first-innings lead of 195 runs. Jamie Smith was unbeaten on 16, with Jofra Archer yet to score.England’s scoring rate of 4.46 runs per over reflected their dominance, but Pakistan’s loose bowling and erratic fielding made their task considerably easier.After a collapse of 3 for 7 had briefly offered Pakistan hope, they failed to capitalise. Usman’s five-wicket haul kept them in the contest, but England ended a rain-shortened second day firmly in control.- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Aug 21, 2026 07:46 IST