Ali Usman takes historic five-for at Headingley

Ali Usman took his maiden Test five-wicket haul and became the first overseas spinner since 1972 to achieve the feat at Headingley. England still ended day two of the first Test in a commanding position, leading Pakistan by 195 runs. LEEDS: Pakistan spinner Ali Usman etched his name into the record books on Thursday when he became the first visiting spinner since 1972 to claim a five-wicket haul in a Test innings at Headingley. The milestone came on the second day of the rain-hit first Test against England, where Usman produced a key spell late in the day to keep Pakistan in the contest despite the hosts building a sizeable advantage. It was also his maiden five-for in Test cricket. Usman completed the landmark haul by removing Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson in the closing stages. His performance ended a 54-year gap since the last such feat by an overseas spinner at the Leeds ground, with Australia's Ashley Mallett having been the previous bowler to do so during the 1972 Ashes. England, however, remained firmly in control at stumps. The home side closed on 366-8 in reply to Pakistan's first-innings 171, opening up a lead of 195 runs with two wickets still standing. Rain delay shortens second day Play began late after rain pushed back the start until 2:45pm, and only 57 overs were possible across the day. England had resumed on 112-2 and strengthened their grip through substantial partnerships in the middle order. Joe Root and Jordan Cox added 150 for the third wicket to put Pakistan under pressure. Root made 66, while Cox contributed 73. Dan Lawrence then struck 51 and was involved in a 120-run stand for the fifth wicket with Brook. Brook fell short of a century at his home venue, scoring 91 from 93 balls before Usman dismissed him. The innings left him narrowly missing another hundred at Headingley after he had made 99 there against India last year. Pakistan face uphill task Usman's spell offered Pakistan a significant lift after England had dictated terms with the bat for much of the day. But with the hosts still holding two wickets in hand and already 195 runs ahead, Pakistan face a stiff challenge heading into the third day. The visitors will now aim to finish off England's innings quickly and limit further damage as they seek a way back into the opening Test.