England’s Joe Root (third R) requires a evaluate on the opening day of the primary Take a look at between England and Pakistan at Headingkey cricket floor in Leeds, northern England, on August 19, 2926. Photograph: AFP
Pakistan made a shaky begin to the primary Take a look at in opposition to England at Headingley on Wednesday, shedding two wickets for 11 runs after the hosts received the toss and elected to subject.
England’s Ollie Robinson struck twice in his opening spell, eradicating debutant Azan Awais for a duck within the first over earlier than trapping Pakistan captain Shan Masood lbw for 5 within the fifth over.
The early wickets left Pakistan beneath strain within the opening session of the five-day contest, with Imam-ul-Haq unbeaten on 5 and Abdullah Shafique on 12 on the finish of 6.4 overs.
Robinson conceded solely seven runs from 3.4 overs and located sufficient motion and self-discipline to bother Pakistan’s prime order, whereas Jofra Archer bowled two maiden overs with out taking a wicket.
England captain Joe Root opted to place Pakistan in to bat beneath circumstances anticipated to supply help to the seamers early within the match.
Pakistan’s innings started with rapid drama when Awais was given out lbw to Robinson after only one ball. Pakistan reviewed the choice, however the unique ruling was upheld.
Masood then fell for 5 from 20 balls, once more to Robinson, after England efficiently reviewed an preliminary not-out determination.
Imam survived an England evaluate at 4.1 overs, with the third umpire ruling within the Pakistan opener’s favour.
The guests have handed duty to a comparatively new-look prime order, with Awais opening alongside Imam and Abdullah Shafique coming in at No. 4.
England, in the meantime, have Joe Root again as captain for his second stint within the function. The skilled former skipper leads a aspect that includes Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, whereas Archer gives England with added tempo alongside Robinson, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue.
Pakistan’s stand-in skipper Salman Agha has a squad that features Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.
The match is the primary of the Take a look at collection and likewise kinds a part of the 2025-27 World Take a look at Championship cycle.
Babar is just not taking part in as a result of harm.