England's bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each claimed five wickets to dismiss Pakistan for 171 runs on the first day of the Rothesay Test at Headingley. The performance provided an encouraging start for Joe Root's second tenure as England captain.
Robinson set the tone early in the match, taking a wicket with the first ball. He finished with figures of 5-51, exploiting the movement available on the pitch with consistent, full-length bowling. Tongue also found his rhythm, ultimately taking 5-46 with a decisive spell of 4-5 in 11 deliveries.
Pakistan's innings concluded in 48.1 overs. Abdullah Shafique was their highest scorer with 61 runs, supported by Imam-ul-Haq's 42. A rain delay also contributed to the proceedings being extended.
In reply, England reached 112-2 by the close of play, trailing Pakistan by 59 runs. Openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay were dismissed early, leaving the team at 48-2. Joe Root, batting alongside Jordan Cox, steadied the innings, finishing the day on 37 not out. Cox was unbeaten on 33.
Root, who previously captained England from 2017 to 2021, has stated that the team will not adhere to a rigid playing style. This match marks the beginning of a new chapter for England's Test side following his return to the captaincy.