Usman’s Five-Wicket Haul Comes Too Late for Pakistan

News Desk 

Islamabad: Pakistan spinner Ali Usman claimed his maiden Test five-wicket haul at Headingley, but his late impact came after England had already established a commanding position in the match.

England ended the day with a 195-run lead and two wickets still in hand, leaving Pakistan with a difficult task when they begin their second innings.

Usman, who finished with five wickets, admitted Pakistan’s bowling attack had failed to make the most of favorable conditions early in the day and conceded more runs than they should have.

“Our bowling was not up to standard today, including myself,” Usman said. “We’ve given away too many runs as a bowling unit.”

Pakistan had the advantage when play finally resumed after rain washed out the opening sessions. Under overcast skies and artificial light, the ball moved around and created several early chances.

However, Pakistan could not maintain the required discipline, allowing Joe Root and Jordan Cox to transform their overnight partnership into a 150-run stand.

Usman eventually provided Pakistan with a much-needed breakthrough. He dismissed Dan Lawrence before removing Harry Brook, who has traditionally dominated Pakistan and averages more than 84 against them.

The spinner then struck twice in the final half-hour, trapping Gus Atkinson leg before wicket before producing a delivery that beat Ollie Robinson’s outside edge. The burst completed his five-wicket haul and made him the first visiting spinner to take five wickets in a Test at Headingley since 1972.

Despite England’s advantage, Usman believes the slowing surface could bring Pakistan’s spinners further into the contest.

“I think day-by-day the wicket is slowing down,” he said, predicting that the pitch could offer significantly more turn over the next three days.

Pakistan’s immediate challenge, however, will be with the bat. Usman said the team must adopt a positive approach and bat deep if they are to keep the match alive.

“We need to take it session by session. Anything can happen,” he said, insisting that Pakistan’s batting unit remains confident after producing strong performances in recent matches.

With England already holding a substantial advantage, Pakistan will need a major batting response to turn Usman’s late five-wicket burst into a genuine chance of salvaging the Test.