England’s new Test era began in emphatic fashion as their pace attack dismantled Pakistan to seal an innings-and-103-run victory at Headingley on Friday.
Pakistan had little answer after being set a daunting task in their second innings. Starting the day on 51-2, they lost four wickets for just 25 runs and were bowled out for 135 before tea.
Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue claimed three wickets each in the innings, with England’s seamers maintaining relentless pressure throughout the morning.
Robinson and Tongue had already combined to dismiss Pakistan for 171 in their first innings. Robinson took 5-51 while Tongue returned 5-46, giving the pair all 10 wickets.
Robinson, recalled to the England side for the series and Archer’s captain at county side Sussex, finished with match figures of 8-80. Tongue was not far behind with 8-89.
Pakistan’s first-innings total was built around Abdullah Shafique’s 61, but they struggled against England’s attack and conceded a lead of 238 runs.
England made full use of that advantage, scoring 409 in their first innings. Harry Brook fell nine short of a century after making 91, while Jacob Cox scored 73, Joe Root 66 and Dan Lawrence 51.
Ali Usman was Pakistan’s leading bowler with 5-95, while Khurram Shahzad took 3-133.
The victory is only England’s third in their last 11 Tests and puts them 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
Pakistan now face a quick turnaround before the second Test at Lord’s, which begins on Thursday, while England will look to build on a convincing opening performance under their new direction.
Pakistan 1st innings: 171 (A Shafique 61; J Tongue 5-46, O Robinson 5-51)
England 1st innings: 409 (H Brook 91, J Cox 73, J Root 66, D Lawrence 51; Ali Usman 5-95, Khurram Shahzad 3-133)
Pakistan 2nd innings: 135 (O Robinson 3-29, J Tongue 3-43, J Archer 3-50)
England won by an innings and 103 runs.
