Pakistan endured another disappointing batting performance as they suffered an innings defeat against England in the opening Test at Headingley.
Having been bowled out for just 171 in their first innings, Pakistan struggled again in the second innings and were dismissed for 135. Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson shared nine wickets between them as England wrapped up a convincing victory.
Archer first made an impact with the bat, helping England extend their lead beyond 200 shortly after play began on the third day. Jamie Smith then departed for 25 after miscuing a shot, allowing Pakistan to finish England’s innings. However, Archer quickly returned with the ball and made an immediate impact, dismissing Imam-ul-Haq in his very first over.
Shan Masood responded positively, hitting a few boundaries to steady Pakistan after the early setback. However, Robinson soon struck at the other end, with Abdullah Shafique edging a defensive shot to second slip. The wicket left Pakistan in trouble heading into Lunch.
Pakistan’s problems only increased after the break as Tongue tore through their middle order. Saud Shakeel was his first victim before he removed Masood and Salman Agha in the same over, leaving Pakistan with little hope of saving the Test.
With defeat looking inevitable, Mohammad Rizwan attempted to fight back with a few attacking strokes. Robinson continued to add to Pakistan’s problems and completed a three-wicket haul, while Gus Atkinson eventually claimed Rizwan’s wicket.
Archer then returned to finish the job, dismissing the final Pakistan batter in the 38th over as England completed a dominant innings victory.
The result highlighted Pakistan’s struggles with the bat, with their top and middle order unable to cope with England’s pace attack across both innings.
