England asserted their dominance in the opening Test at Headingley, handing Pakistan a crushing defeat by an innings and 103 runs. After posting 409 in their first innings, led by Harry Brook’s 91, England’s bowlers dismantled the visitors twice, leaving Pakistan unable to find their rhythm throughout the match.
The third day began with Jofra Archer extending England’s lead beyond 200. Although Jamie Smith fell for 25, Pakistan’s resistance was short-lived. Archer immediately translated his form to the ball, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq in his opening over. Despite a brief counter-attack from captain Shan Masood, Ollie Robinson applied pressure by removing Abdullah Shafique at second slip just before the lunch interval.
Pakistan’s collapse accelerated after the break as Josh Tongue tore through the middle order. Tongue claimed the wickets of Saud Shakeel, Masood, and Salman Agha in a single over, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. While Mohammad Rizwan attempted to stabilize the innings with a defiant 41, Robinson continued to chip away at the tail, finishing with figures of 3-29. Gus Atkinson eventually claimed Rizwan’s wicket, and Archer finalized the result in the 38th over.
The visitors were bowled out for 171 in their first innings, where Josh Tongue stood out with 5-46. In their second attempt, they managed only 135. Ali Usman was the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan in the first innings, taking 5-95, but the collective effort from England’s attack—spearheaded by Archer, Tongue, and Robinson—proved far too potent for the tourists to handle. The report also notes that archer first had a role to play with the bat as he took little time to drag England’s lead past the 200-run mark once play commenced on the third day. The report also notes that but at the other end, Jamie Smith miscued one to depart for 25, after which Pakistan immediately wrapped up the England innings.
