Robinson, Tongue share ten as England dominate opening day

Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue delivered a bowling masterclass at Headingley, sharing ten wickets between them to rout Pakistan for a meager 171 before England’s batters seized firm control of the match. By Stumps on Day 1, England reached 112 for 2—trailing by just 59 runs—with returning skipper Joe Root and Jordan Cox comfortably set. Pakistan Crumble After Early Resilience Under overcast skies, Joe Root won a crucial toss and opted to bowl, unleashing a rejuvenated Ollie Robinson. Robinson struck on his very first ball, trapping Azan Awais dead in front, before dismantling Shan Masood’s stumps just two overs later. A two-hour rain delay offered Pakistan a temporary reprieve. Following the resumption, Abdullah Shafique (61) and Imam-ul-Haq (42) constructed a bright 91-run partnership, driving cleanly on a surface that briefly flattened out. However, Pakistan’s habit of surrendering hard-won momentum struck again: The Breakthrough: Imam gifted his wicket to Josh Tongue, loosely dangling his bat at a wide delivery to edge to second slip. The Tailspin: Saud Shakeel fell to a tight LBW decision off Robinson after failing to review in time—a decision ball-tracking later showed was missing leg stump. The Final Fold: Robinson bowled a set Shafique through the gate, triggering a staggering collapse where Pakistan lost their final eight wickets for just 74 runs. Tongue (5-46) wiped out the lower order with blistering pace—highlighted by a 91mph nip-backer—while Robinson (5-51) wrapped up his fifth Test five-for. England Cruise Close to First-Innings Lead Despite losing Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay early to Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali respectively, England never allowed Pakistan's quicks to build sustained pressure. Root (37*) looked instantly at home on his native home ground, partnering smoothly with Jordan Cox (23*), who adjusted well to his elevated role at number three. Operating at over four runs an hour, the pair stroked an unbeaten 50-plus stand to cap off a ideal day for the hosts, leaving Pakistan with a daunting mountain to climb early on Day 2.