England apply themselves to gain advantage on shortened day in Leeds

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England had to work hard for every run to keep Pakistan under pressure on a rain-hit second day of the second Test at Headingley where England ended 302/7 with a lead of 128.

The first session was wiped out by run but once the weather improved play was possible mid way through the afternoon session.

Joe Root and Nightwatchman Dom Bess set about adding to the overnight total of 106 for 2.

Bess looked mostly assured, impressive for a young man playing in his second Test, as England added 32 to their overnight score before out of nowhere Mohammad Amir found the edge of Joe Root’s bat at the skipper had to go for 45, England were 138 for 3.

Bess and Dawid Malan would add 62 to see England pull ahead of Pakistan.

Malan (28) though struggled throughout his innings and was no match for a rising Amir delivery that was well held low by Haris Sohail at first slip.

Bess would succumb to leg-spinner Shadab Khan who got one to turn away just enough to take the edge through to Asad Shafiq at slip, ultimately just one run short of what would have been a well deserved fifty.

A 48 run stand between Jonny Bairstow (21) and Jos Buttler saw England forge ever on with their lead.

Bairstow fell to a harmless looking delivery from Faheem Ashraf just before the new ball was due leaving Buttler to try and get to the close with Chris Woakes.

Woakes looked to be positive but fell late on for 17 nicking off to Mohammad Abbas. Sam Curran (16*) would complete the day with Buttler unbeaten on 34.

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