LEEDS — Pakistan spinner Ali Usman produced a landmark performance at Headingley on August 20, becoming the first Pakistani left-arm spinner to take a five-wicket haul in a Test match in England.
The 33-year-old claimed 5-92 from 23 overs as Pakistan struggled to contain England on a rain-affected second day of the opening Test in Leeds. His maiden Test five-for also made him only the sixth Pakistani spinner overall to achieve the feat in England.
Ali’s performance ended a 54-year wait for a visiting spinner to claim five wickets at Headingley. Australia’s Ashley Mallett was the last visiting spinner to achieve the milestone, in 1972.
England resumed the day at 112-2 and quickly strengthened their position. Jordan Cox and Joe Root added a substantial partnership before Pakistan fought back.
Ali broke the stand by dismissing Cox for 73, caught behind by Mohammad Rizwan. Root followed soon after, trapped lbw by Khurram Shahzad for 66.
England captain Harry Brook then appeared on course for another Test century after putting together a 120-run partnership with Dan Lawrence. But Ali changed the momentum dramatically during an extended spell after tea.
He removed Lawrence for 51, with Rizwan completing the catch, before bowling Brook for 91, denying the England captain his 11th Test hundred.
Ali then struck twice in the 80th over. He trapped Gus Atkinson lbw before clean-bowling Ollie Robinson to complete his five-wicket haul.
He finished with figures of 23-1-92-5, including four wickets during a remarkable 14-over spell.
Despite Ali’s heroics, England ended the day in control at 366-8 from 82 overs, taking a 195-run first-innings lead after Pakistan had finished day one 59 runs behind.
The performance nevertheless marked a major personal and national milestone for Ali, who also registered his 13th five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.
His breakthrough at Headingley provides Pakistan with a rare spin highlight in English conditions traditionally associated with pace bowling.
