Root leads England to dominant first Test victory over Pakistan
Joe Root secured his first win as permanent England captain with an innings and 103-run victory at Headingley, positioning the hosts to claim their first series triumph since December 2024.
England have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series against Pakistan following a comprehensive victory at Headingley. The hosts dismissed the visitors for 135 in their second innings, securing a win by an innings and 103 runs. This result marks the debut of Joe Root in his role as permanent England captain, a position he assumed for the start of this series.
The match was decided before tea on day three, with Pakistan struggling to respond to England’s first-innings total of 409. The visitors had previously been bowled out for 171 in 48.1 overs, but their second innings lasted only 37.3 overs. England’s bowling attack proved decisive, with Jofra Archer taking 3-50 and Josh Tongue claiming 3-43.
Archer struck early to reduce Pakistan to 13-2, while Tongue’s three-wicket burst after lunch effectively ended any prospect of the visitors reaching day four. Tongue dismissed Shan Masood, who managed 29, before Gus Atkinson removed Mohammad Rizwan to put England on the brink of victory. The final wicket fell when Mohammad Abbas was caught by Dan Lawrence off Archer’s bowling.
Root’s tactical adjustments were evident in the fielding arrangements, including unorthodox positions that resulted in key dismissals. Azan Awais was caught at leg slip by Root, while Saud Shakeel was taken by Dan Lawrence at a backward square position. Ollie Robinson also contributed with 3-29, as the English bowlers collectively dismantled the Pakistani lineup.
With this victory, England are now in a strong position to secure their first series win since a 2-1 success in New Zealand in December 2024. The hosts have lost two and drawn one of their last three multi-match Test series, making this result a significant step in rebuilding their record. The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Thursday, with the third match set to follow at Edgbaston.
According to Sky Sports, the second Test will commence at 11am, offering England the opportunity to wrap up the series if they triumph. The match will be broadcast live, providing a clear pathway for the hosts to extend their dominance in the series.
