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Root and Robinson help England on opening day
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The gist
Robinson and Tongue took all 10 wickets as England bowled Pakistan out for 171. Root's return as captain started with a win, leaving England 112-2.
Background
England's first Test against Pakistan at Headingley marked Joe Root's return as permanent Test captain after Ben Stokes' retirement and Brendon McCullum's removal. Root won the toss and chose to bowl under overcast skies, a decision that paid off as seamers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each took five wickets to dismiss Pakistan for 171. England then reached 112-2 by the close, with Root unbeaten on 37.
How it unfolded
- Wed, 19 Aug 2026England win toss and bowl first at Headingley; Robinson strikes with the first ball of the series, trapping Azan Awais lbw.
- Wed, 19 Aug 2026Pakistan are bowled out for 171, with Tongue taking 5-46 and Robinson 5-51.
- Wed, 19 Aug 2026England close on 112-2, with Root 37 not out and Jordan Cox 23 not out, trailing by 59 runs.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- England's performance was a dominant display, with Root's decision to bowl first setting the foundation for the bowling demolition.
- Analysts
- The Guardian noted Root's 'metronome rarely missed a beat' and that the apparent rustiness of Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson was barely felt.