England enjoyed a commanding opening day in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, dismissing the visitors for just 171 runs. The hosts’ bowlers produced an outstanding performance, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue taking five wickets apiece to share all 10 Pakistani wickets between them.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a disastrous start after England won the toss and chose to field. Debutant opener Azan Awais was dismissed without scoring in the opening over, with Robinson trapping him lbw. The pressure continued to mount in the fifth over when Robinson struck again, removing former Pakistan captain Shan Masood for five off 20 deliveries. His dismissal left Pakistan struggling at 6 for 2 and gave England complete control early in the innings.
Pakistan endured a difficult start to the opening Test against England at Headingley on Wednesday, slipping to 11 for two after England captain Joe Root won the toss and elected to bowl first. England seamer Ollie Robinson made an immediate impact, claiming two wickets in his opening spell. He dismissed Test debutant Azan Awais for a duck with his very first delivery before removing Pakistan captain Shan Masood for five in the fifth over.
The early blows put Pakistan on the back foot during the opening session. However, a useful partnership between Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique provided some relief. Imam-ul-Haq scored 42 runs, while Abdullah Shafique produced a fine half-century, making 61 runs. England’s decision to bowl first was influenced by conditions at Headingley, with the pitch and overcast weather expected to provide early assistance to the seam bowlers. Later, Pakistan were in deep trouble against England on the first day of the first Test, reduced to 150 for 7.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a dramatic start when Awais was given out lbw to Robinson after facing just one delivery. Pakistan immediately reviewed the decision, but the on-field ruling was upheld, leaving the visitors in early trouble. England won the toss and elected to field first in the opening Test match against Pakistan in Leeds. Speaking at the toss, Salman Ali Agha said that he was handed the captaincy after Babar Azam was ruled out and that the team had completed its preparations for the Test series.
He added that Pakistan had come to England to win the series and hoped to make a strong start. Salman also said that Pakistan would have chosen to bat first had they won the toss. Pakistan’s playing XI for the Test includes Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and Mohammad Abbas. Azan Owais, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, and Ali Usman are also part of the national squad.
More to follow…