England in command after bowling out Pakistan for 171 on opening day of Leeds Test

England captain Joe Root led a composed response as the hosts ended the opening day of the first Test against Pakistan in a commanding position at Headingley on Wednesday.

England reached 112/2 at stumps, trailing Pakistan by just 59 runs with eight wickets still in hand. Jordan Cox remained unbeaten on 37, while Root was 23 not out, with the pair having put together a crucial 64-run partnership.

How did Pakistan make early inroads?

Pakistan’s bowlers made England work for their runs after their side had been bowled out for 171. Mohammad Abbas struck first, trapping Ben Duckett lbw in the 10th over after the opener had scored 15.

Mohammad Ali then removed Emilio Gay in the following over. Gay had provided England with an aggressive start, scoring 33 from 31 balls, including seven boundaries.

However, Pakistan could not build on those breakthroughs. Root joined Cox and immediately brought stability to the innings, ensuring England closed the day firmly in control.

Why did Pakistan struggle to build a bigger first-innings total?

Pakistan began the final session at 150/7 but could add only 21 runs before losing their remaining three wickets.

Josh Tongue struck early after tea, dismissing Mohammad Rizwan for 12 to expose the tail. Khurram Shahzad and Abbas added 12 runs for the 10th wicket before Ollie Robinson removed Shahzad for 14.

Tongue then cleaned up Abbas for two, completing Pakistan’s collapse for 171 in 48.1 overs.

Robinson finished with impressive figures of 5/39, claiming his fifth five-wicket haul in Tests, while Tongue took 4/41 to complete an excellent bowling display.

Who kept Pakistan alive during the second session?

Pakistan had looked considerably stronger earlier in the day when Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique combined for a 91-run third-wicket partnership.

Imam narrowly missed out on a half-century, falling for 42 off 74 balls after Tongue ended the partnership. Shafique continued to fight and eventually became Pakistan’s top scorer, making 61 from 104 deliveries with eight fours.

His resistance ended when Ollie Robinson dismissed him, before the England seamer also removed Saud Shakeel for five in successive overs.

How did Pakistan’s innings begin?

Opener Azan Awais was dismissed lbw by Robinson from the very first ball of the match.

Former captain Shan Masood then fell to Robinson for five, leaving Pakistan struggling at 6/2.

Imam and Shafique briefly rebuilt the innings, taking Pakistan to 23/2 before heavy rain interrupted play.

What does England need on day two?

With only 59 runs separating England from Pakistan’s first-innings total, Root and Cox will resume on Thursday knowing that a substantial first-innings lead is within reach.

After Pakistan’s collapse and England’s steady response, the momentum is firmly with the hosts heading into the second day.