Pakistan, Aug. 20 -- Rain delays England-Pakistan Test action at Headingley, with persistent showers preventing any play during Thursday's opening session. Officials called an early lunch as heavy rain continued across Leeds, leaving the pitch and outfield covered. England ended the first day at 112/2, remaining 59 runs behind Pakistan's first-innings total of 171.

England had made a strong start before rain interrupted their chase, with Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay adding 36 runs. Mohammad Abbas dismissed Duckett leg before wicket in the 10th over before Mohammad Ali removed Gay for 33. Gay faced 31 balls and struck seven boundaries, while Jordan Cox remained unbeaten on 37 alongside captain Joe Root on 23.

Pakistan earlier struggled aga...