England vs Pakistan: Joe Root Era Begins with Dominant Performance
BBC Sport reports on the first day of the series between England and Pakistan at Headingley.
To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.
This video can not be played
Key Moments:
- Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each took five wickets, leading to Pakistan’s dismissal for 171.
- England, bowling first after winning the toss, reduced Pakistan to 171 all out in 48.1 overs.
- Robinson took early pace, dismissing Azan Awais with the first ball of the match.
- Tongue found his rhythm later, contributing 5-46 to the wicket haul.
- Abdullah Shafique top-scored for Pakistan with 61, while Imam-ul-Haq contributed 42.
- A rain delay prolonged the day but England were still able to wrap up the Pakistan innings.
- In their reply, England reached 112-2 at stumps, trailing by 59 runs.
Quotable Highlights:
"First Rothesay Test, Headingley (day one of five)… England 112-2 (from 48.1 overs)."
"Root, like Stokes, posted himself at mid-off, but did not march around and marshall the field like his predecessor."
Context:
Despite a change in leadership and coaching staff, England seeks to improve their recent poor form, having won only two of their previous 10 matches. Pakistan, on the other hand, has not won a series in England for 30 years due to a relatively weak batting lineup without injured captain Babar Azam.
