England produced a dominant performance at Headingley to defeat Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test.
England beat Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the opening Test at Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds on Friday, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match ICC World Test Championship series.
The convincing victory came on the third day after Pakistan collapsed for 135 in their second innings. England had secured a substantial 238-run first-innings advantage after being bowled out for 409 earlier in the day.
England resumed their innings at 366-8 and added 43 runs before being dismissed for 409 in 89.5 overs. Jofra Archer remained unbeaten on 23 from 25 deliveries, including two fours and a six.
Ali Usman was Pakistan’s most successful bowler with five wickets for 92 runs, while Khurram Shahzad claimed three wickets for 133. Khurram also removed Jamie Smith and Josh Tongue to complete England’s innings.
Pakistan’s second innings never gained momentum as England’s pace attack repeatedly exposed the visitors’ batting weaknesses. Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue and Archer claimed three wickets each, while Gus Atkinson took one.
Mohammad Rizwan provided some resistance for Pakistan, scoring 41 from 39 balls with five boundaries after arriving at the crease when Pakistan were struggling at 73-5. Shan Masood contributed 29, but the lower order could not prevent the innings defeat.
Archer dismissed Pakistan’s opening pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Azan Awais, while Robinson removed Abdullah Shafique for 15. Tongue then struck three times in a quick spell, dismissing Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood and stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha.
The match also saw Joe Root create Test history by becoming the fielder with the most catches in the format. His catch of Azan Awais took his tally to 219, moving him past Australia’s Steven Smith.
Robinson was named Player of the Match after making a major contribution with the ball. England will now look to seal the series when the second Test begins at Lord’s on August 27.
The third and final Test is scheduled for September 9-13 in Birmingham.