England dismantle Pakistan as Root’s second captaincy starts with a bang

Joe Root’s return as England’s Test captain began with the kind of dominant performance he would have envisioned the moment Ben Stokes retired. Pakistan skittled for 171 in 48.1 overs, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue sharing ten wickets, and England closing on 112‑2 to trail by just 59 heading into day two at Headingley

Live England playing Pakistan in three-Test series, with game at Headingley followed by matches at Lord's (August 27-31) and Edgbaston (September 9-13) - all live on Sky Sports; Joe Root back for second stint as captain following Ben Stokes' international retirement Thursday 20 August 2026 16:29, UK

Updates from Headingley; play starts 11am BST Day one report | Sign up for the Spin | Mail Jim “It won’t be, but this summer should be the ultimate wake up call for our cricket schedule. It’s an absolute farce considering the weather we’ve had recently in this country to now be watching covers” writes a disgruntled Li

Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both took five wicket hauls to put England in early control of the opening Test against Pakistan at Headingley, as the home side closed on 112-2 at stumps on day one, just 59 runs behind Pakistan's first innings total of 171.

Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both took five wickets on the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan

England’s post-Bazball era has gotten off to an encouraging start on a dominant Day 1 of the first test against Pakistan

Analysis from Headingley as the tourists are skittled for 171 on a rain-interrupted first day of the series with England closing on 112-2

Root hopes seamers can exploit overheads and "a bit of top moisture" on first morning