Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue combined to dismantle Pakistan for 171 before England made a confident start with the bat on the opening day of the Test at Headingley.
Robinson was the standout performer, collecting his fifth five wicket haul in Test cricket, while Tongue claimed the remaining five wickets as Pakistan failed to capitalise on their few promising periods.
England captain Joe Root chose to bowl in cloudy conditions and the decision produced an immediate reward. Robinson trapped Azan Awais with the first delivery of the match before removing Shan Masood shortly afterwards.
Rain interrupted proceedings and forced an early lunch, after which Abdullah Shafique and Imam ul Haq revived Pakistan with a 91 run partnership. Their positive approach briefly changed the momentum, with both batters finding boundaries as conditions became easier.
That recovery ended when Imam edged Tongue to second slip. Robinson then removed Saud Shakeel, although replays later showed the delivery would have missed leg stump. Shafique followed soon afterwards as Pakistan slipped back into trouble.
Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha attempted another recovery, but England maintained the pressure. Tongue eventually broke through and quickly finished off the lower order as Pakistan were dismissed for their lowest first innings Test total in ten years.
England responded positively despite losing Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay. Mohammad Abbas trapped Duckett after an earlier decision had gone England’s way, while Mohammad Ali removed Gay.
Root and Jordan Cox then settled the innings with an unbeaten partnership worth more than 50 runs. England closed only 59 runs behind Pakistan with eight wickets remaining, leaving the hosts firmly in control heading into day two.
