England spinner Dominic Bess continued to shine with the bat, but fell one agonising run short of his second successive half-century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Despite a shortened second day at Headingley, England were still able to keep hold of the upper hand against Pakistan as their batsmen all made decent contributions to build a 128-run lead.

Rain and a wet outfield delayed the start of play for almost four hours. However, once England resumed their innings on 106/2, captain Joe Root and Dominic Bess scored quickly and efficiently.

However, just as England were hitting their stride, Mohammad Amir provided a crucial breakthrough for Pakistan as he had Root caught behind for 45, which came off 72 deliveries and included six boundaries.

Bess and Dawid Malan stabilised the innings with a 62-run partnership before Malan was caught by Haris Sohail at first slip off the bowling of Amir for 28.

Bess went on to make 49, which came off 95 balls and included seven boundaries, before he was caught by Asad Shafiq at slip off the bowling of Shadab Khan.

Wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler managed to add 48 runs to the score before Bairstow was caught behind off the bowling of Faheem Ashraf for 21.

Woakes fell shortly after for 17, but Buttler and debutant Sam Curran ensured England didn’t lose any more wickets as they put together an unbeaten 17-run stand before stumps was called.

Buttler finished on 34 off 67 balls, which included four boundaries, while Curran remained undefeated on 16 off 29 deliveries, which included three boundaries.

Amir and Ashraf were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets apiece, while Shadab, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Abbas claimed one wicket each.

England ended day two on 302/7 and will continue batting on Sunday at 11:00 local time or 10:00 GMT.