Ollie Robinson and Tongue took five wickets each as England dismissed Pakistan for 171 before reaching 112/2 on Day 1 at Headingley.
Introduction:
England dominated the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, skittling the visitors for 171 before reaching 112 for 2 at stumps to trail by only 59 runs.
Recalled pace duo Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue wreaked havoc under overcast Leeds skies, each picking up a five-wicket haul to place the hosts firmly in the driver’s seat.
Robinson and Tongue Rattle Pakistan
After England elected to bowl, Ollie Robinson made an immediate impact by striking with the very first delivery of the match, trapping Azan Awais lbw. Robinson continued to extract lateral seam movement, finishing with superb figures of 5 for 51 to account for the bulk of Pakistan’s top order. See also:Â Suthar Grabs 10-Wicket Match Haul as India Win in Galle
Opener Abdullah Shafique showed grit to notch a defiant 61, adding 91 runs with Imam-ul-Haq (42) to briefly steady the innings. However, once Tongue broke the stand, Pakistan’s batting unravelled rapidly.
Tongue generated blistering pace and bounce, dismantling the middle and lower order in a lethal spell to finish with 5 for 46, bundling Pakistan out in 48.1 overs.
Root Anchors England’s Strong Reply
In response, England’s openers faced probing questions from the Pakistani seamers. Ben Duckett fell lbw to Mohammad Abbas, while debutant Emilio Gay edged Mohammad Ali behind after scoring a brisk 33.
Unfazed by the mini-wobble at 48 for 2, Joe Root looked in sublime touch on his home ground. Batting with trademark serenity, Root compiled an unbeaten 37, combining with Jordan Cox (23 not out) in an unbroken 64-run partnership before bad light halted play.
With eight wickets in hand and batting conditions expected to ease, England look well placed to build a commanding first-innings lead on Day 2.