England Crush Pakistan for 171 as Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue Take Five-Wicket Hauls on Joe Root’s Captaincy Return

Root begins second stint with a dominant bowling display

Joe Root's return as England Test captain got off to a spectacular start as England bowled Pakistan out for just 171 on the opening day at Headingley. After winning the toss and choosing to field, England needed only 48.1 overs to dismiss the visitors, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both claiming five-wicket hauls in a remarkable display of fast bowling.

Robinson made an immediate impact, striking with the very first ball of the Test to remove Azan Awais for a duck. The early breakthrough set the tone for England, who maintained relentless pressure despite interruptions caused by rain. Pakistan struggled to build partnerships as England's seamers repeatedly found ways through their batting order.

Robinson and Tongue tear through Pakistan

Robinson was the standout performer early in the innings, exploiting the Headingley conditions and causing Pakistan's top order considerable problems. His five-wicket haul marked an impressive return to the international spotlight, while Tongue continued the destruction from the other end.

Pakistan briefly threatened to recover after losing several early wickets, but England quickly regained control. Tongue's spell proved particularly damaging as he dismantled the lower and middle order, completing his own five-wicket haul as Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 171.

The tourists' innings lasted just 48.1 overs, leaving England with an excellent opportunity to establish a significant advantage in the first Test.

England finish day on 112-2

England's reply was interrupted by the weather, but the hosts still made significant progress before the close. They reached 112-2, ending the day 59 runs behind Pakistan with eight wickets still in hand.

The early loss of two wickets prevented England from making an entirely trouble-free start, but the hosts remained firmly in control thanks to the damage inflicted by their bowlers earlier in the day. With conditions expected to remain an important factor, England will look to move beyond Pakistan's first-innings total as quickly as possible on Thursday.

Root faces major challenge as captain

The Headingley Test represents the beginning of a new chapter for Root, who has returned to the England captaincy following Ben Stokes' retirement from international cricket in June. Root previously led England between 2017 and 2022 and is now tasked with rebuilding a side that has endured a difficult run of results.

England had won just one of their previous 10 matches across series against India, Australia and New Zealand, suffering seven defeats during that period. The emphatic opening-day performance against Pakistan therefore offered Root an encouraging start to his second spell in charge.

With Robinson and Tongue already putting England in a commanding position, Root's side now have the chance to build a substantial first-innings lead and put Pakistan under further pressure in the opening Test.