Joe Root and Ollie Robinson, two of the few survivors from England's last Test victory before the Bazball era, combined at Headingley to bowl Pakistan out for 171 on the opening day of the first Test. Robinson, recalled after two years in exile, took three wickets as England's seamers exploited helpful conditions, leaving the hosts in a strong position with Root at the crease under the setting sun.
Robinson's return to form
Robinson, who had not played for England since July 2023, was chosen by Root to bowl the first over of his second stint as captain. The seamer, operating in the 70s mph range, immediately struck with his first ball of the series, a 76mph delivery that rapped Azan Awais on the front pad, prompting an umpire's finger. He later dismissed Shan Masood with an inswinger at 79mph, showcasing his range with the Dukes ball.
Robinson's performance evoked memories of his player-of-the-match display in the same ground five years ago, when England bowled India out for 78 and Root scored a century to seal a rare win in a run of 17 Tests that yielded just one victory. That triumph, in June 2019, remains the only bright spot in England's pre-Bazball record, and Robinson was integral then as he is now.
Pakistan's resistance and collapse
Pakistan, missing captain Babar Azam due to injury, started shakily at six for two but were steadied by Abdullah Shafique, who scored 61. Shafique, who made his Test debut at 22 and has a Test average above 40, mixed elegant drives through mid-on with a perfectly timed cover drive off Robinson. He and Imam-ul-Haq built a third-wicket stand of 97 for two, frustrating England's bowlers.
However, the collapse was swift. Pakistan folded from 97 for two to 171 all out in the space of 20 overs. Robinson continued to nibble away, while Josh Tongue added lethal pace and a stinging yorker, reminding Pakistan of what they lack on this tour. Shafique fell to another wobbling Robinson delivery that ducked into the right-hander and smashed the stumps, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith up close to make life harder.
England's response and the series ahead
England's reply saw Ben Duckett fall early to Mohammad Abbas, Pakistan's answer to Robinson in terms of new-ball nous. But an England lead beckons, with Root batting at the close of play. The day was predictable in many ways, with Pakistan's in-form Shafique providing the only bit of light for a side that sits second last in the World Test Championship table and hasn't won a series away from home since 2023.
Rob Key, England's director of cricket, said of Robinson in May: "Ollie Robinson, when he's fit and bowling at a decent pace for him, which is around 82-83 mph, he is world class." The seamer's performance on day one, albeit at a slower pace, vindicated that assessment. Root and Robinson are the only members of the 2019 Headingley XI playing in this match, and their partnership, both on and off the field, appears to be reviving England's fortunes.
