England produced a commanding bowling display on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue claiming five-wicket hauls each. Their efforts helped dismiss Pakistan for 171 before Joe Root and Jordan Cox steadied England’s reply, leaving the hosts 112/2 at stumps.
Oliie Robinson and Josh Tongue tear through Pakistan
Root’s decision to bowl first under overcast conditions paid off immediately. Robinson struck with the opening delivery of the Test, trapping Azan Awais lbw with one that moved sharply back into the batter. The England seamer soon removed captain Shan Masood as well, but Pakistan recovered through Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq. The pair added 91 for the third wicket, providing much-needed stability after Pakistan slipped to 6/2.
Shafique looked particularly assured during his 61, combining crisp drives with excellent placement, while Imam contributed 42. However, Tongue eventually ended their resistance by having Imam edge behind, with Harry Brook taking a low catch at second slip. Robinson then removed Saud Shakeel for five before producing the decisive delivery to dismiss Shafique. The pacer had troubled the right-hander with movement throughout the innings before one sharply nipped back and bowled him.
From 97/2, Pakistan quickly lost control. Salman Agha offered some resistance with 21, but Tongue struck twice in quick succession to remove him and Ali Usman. Mohammad Rizwan and Khurram Shahzad also fell to the relentless England attack. Robinson completed his five-for by getting Shahzad caught for 14, while Tongue followed suit moments later by bowling Mohammad Abbas for two. Pakistan had lost their final eight wickets for only 74 runs.
Historic feat for England’s pace attack
Robinson finished with 5/51, while Tongue returned figures of 5/46. Their performances created a notable piece of England cricket history, as they became the first England pace duo to claim five-wicket hauls in the same innings against Pakistan since 1998. The achievement underlined the effectiveness of England’s attack in conditions that offered plenty of assistance to the seamers. Jofra Archer also kept the pressure on during his opening spell, although he did not add to the wickets column.
Pakistan’s collapse was particularly damaging given the position they had reached after Shafique and Imam’s partnership. What had appeared to be a potential recovery quickly turned into a below-par total.
Also WATCH: ENG vs PAK: Ollie Robinson traps Azan Awais LBW with a stunning delivery on Day 1 of Headingley Test
Joe Root and Jordon Cox put England in control
England began their response positively but suffered two setbacks before reaching 50. Ben Duckett was trapped lbw by Abbas for 15, while Emilio Gay, who struck seven boundaries in his 33, edged Mohammad Ali to second slip. That brought Root and Cox together, and the experienced former England captain calmly guided his side through the remainder of the day. Root remained unbeaten on 37, while Cox finished on 23.
The pair added an unbroken 64-run stand, taking England to 112/2 by stumps. With the hosts trailing Pakistan by just 59 runs, England will begin the second day firmly in the driving seat. For Root, who has begun his second full-time stint as England’s Test captain, the opening day could hardly have gone better. His decision to bowl first was rewarded by a superb performance from Robinson and Tongue, while his unbeaten contribution helped England close the day in a strong position.
Stumps on Day 1 ✅
A clinical performance with the ball restricts Pakistan to 171 before England fight back to reach 112/2. Trail by 59 runs heading into Day 2 📊#ENGvPAK #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/iCuOgQLyTW
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 20, 2026
