Joe Root enjoys dream start on captaincy return as England dominate first day against Pakistan

20 Aug 2026 • 3:31 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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Joe Root enjoys dream start on captaincy return as England dominate first day against Pakistan

  • Joe Root marked his return as England Test captain by winning the toss and electing to bowl under overcast skies on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.
  • Ollie Robinson set the tone immediately by taking a wicket with the very first delivery of the series, eventually finishing with excellent figures of five for 51.
  • Josh Tongue complemented Robinson by sweeping through Pakistan's middle and lower order to claim five for 46, ensuring the seam pair divided all 10 wickets as the visitors were dismissed for 171.
  • Abdullah Shafique top-scored for the tourists with 61 and Imam-ul-Haq made 42, but Pakistan collapsed swiftly following a burst of wickets around the tea break.
  • England finished the day on 112 for two to trail by only 59 runs, supported by an unbroken 50-run partnership between Root on 37 not out and Jordan Cox on 23 not out.

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