England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley

England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley

England produced a dominant display to thrash Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test of the 2026 series at Headingley, Leeds.

The hosts sealed a comprehensive victory inside four days after bowling Pakistan out cheaply twice and posting a commanding first-innings total.

England won the toss and elected to field on a helpful surface. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue shared all 10 wickets as Pakistan collapsed for just 171 in their first innings.

Robinson claimed 5 for 51 with probing seam movement, while Tongue finished with 5 for 46, including a rapid burst that dismantled the lower order. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 61 and Imam-ul-Haq made 42, but the rest of the batting offered little resistance after a promising start.

England's reply was built on solid contributions from the middle order. Jordan Cox scored 73, captain Joe Root made 66 on his return to the leadership role, Harry Brook impressed with a fluent 91, and Dan Lawrence added 51.

Ali Usman was Pakistan's standout performer with the ball, taking a maiden Test five-wicket haul of 5 for 95, but England still reached 409.

That gave them a massive first-innings lead of 238 runs.

Forced to follow on in effect, Pakistan were dismissed for 135 in their second innings. England's seam attack again proved too much, completing a comprehensive win by an innings and 103 runs.

Robinson and Tongue starred with the ball in the first innings, while Brook, Cox, Root and Lawrence provided the key batting performances. Usman's five-for was a lone bright spot for the visitors.

England take a 1-0 series lead and head into the remaining Tests with strong momentum after a clinical all-round showing at Leeds.

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