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England vs Pakistan first Test day one
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
England's Ollie Robinson took four wickets on day one as Pakistan were bowled out for 171. Joe Root's return as captain put England in control at Headingley.
Background
England and Pakistan began a three-match Test series at Headingley, Leeds, on August 19, 2026. Joe Root returned as England's permanent Test captain after a brief stint earlier in the summer ended in defeat to New Zealand. Pakistan were without captain Babar Azam, with Salman Agha leading the side. The series is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle.
How it unfolded
- Aug 19, 2026England won the toss and chose to bowl first. Ollie Robinson dismissed Azan Awais with the first ball of the match, the first time a Test series in England has started with a wicket.
- Aug 19, 2026Pakistan were bowled out for 171, with Robinson taking four wickets. A rain delay interrupted play for about two hours.
- Aug 19, 2026England reached 112-2 at stumps, with Joe Root (37) and Jordan Cox (23) adding 64 runs, leaving a deficit of 59.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- England captain Joe Root said he was 'as ready as any other England captain' after his first day back in the role.
- Public
- Fans celebrated Robinson's return, with Sky Sports highlighting his four-wicket haul and the 'platinum duck' on the first ball.