&imwidth=800&imheight=600&format=webp&quality=medium "ENG vs PAK, 1st Test: England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs")
England began their new era in impressive style under returning captain Joe Root, defeating Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs inside three days in the first Test at Headingley in Leeds on Friday (Aug 21). It was England’s first Test since Ben Stokes retired and Brendon McCullum stepped down as head coach and the hosts delivered a strong all-round performance to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. After bowling Pakistan out for 171, England scored 409 before dismissing the visitors for 135 in their second innings.
The win was England’s biggest innings victory over Pakistan at Headingley and their second successive innings win against them at the venue after their innings and 55 runs victory in 2018.
Earlier in the Test, England opted to bowl after winning the toss, with their pace attack quickly putting Pakistan under pressure. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue shared all 10 wickets, taking five each as Pakistan fell from 117/3 to 171 all out. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with a patient 61, but the rest of the batting line-up struggled.
England finished the opening day at 112/2 and were in a strong position.
On the next day, despite rain interruptions, England dominated as Harry Brook scored 91 off 93 balls, while Jordan Cox made 73. Root contributed 66 and Dan Lawrence added a quick 51.
Pakistan spinner Ali Usman claimed his first five-wicket haul in Tests, finishing with 5/95, but England still reached 409 to secure a huge 238-run lead.
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Pakistan struggled again in their second innings, reaching 59/3 at lunch. Mohammad Rizwan offered some resistance with 41, but England’s pace attack soon finished the job.
Jofra Archer (3/50), Josh Tongue (3/43) and Ollie Robinson (3/29) picked up three wickets each as Pakistan were bowled out for 135 in 37.3 overs, giving England a comfortable victory before tea.
Pakistan’s 135 is among their lowest Test totals in England since 2000. It was also only the second time England’s pace bowlers had taken all 20 Pakistan wickets in a Test, after the previous instance at Lord’s in 2001.
