Pakistan’s left-arm spinner Ali Usman has made history at Headingley, becoming the first overseas spinner since 1972 to claim a five-wicket haul at the famous English cricket ground.
Usman achieved the milestone during the first Test between Pakistan and England, taking his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He finished with impressive figures of 5 for 92, becoming the first visiting spinner to take five wickets at Headingley since Australia’s Ashley Mallett achieved the feat during the 1972 Ashes.
The Pakistani spinner produced an important late spell, dismissing key England batters including Harry Brook, Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson as Pakistan tried to restrict the hosts’ huge first-innings total.
Despite Usman’s achievement, Pakistan remained under pressure. England finished their innings with 409 runs, gaining a substantial advantage after Pakistan had been bowled out for 171 in their first innings.
Usman’s performance nevertheless stands out as a rare achievement for a visiting spinner at Headingley. His five-wicket haul ended a 54-year wait since Mallett’s historic performance and added another memorable moment to Pakistan’s cricket history.
