Robinson and Tongue hand Root a dream start to his second reign as England captain
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each claimed five wickets as Pakistan were bowled out for 171 on the opening day of the first Test at Headingley, where Joe Root returned as England captain for the first time in four years. England closed the day on 112-2, trailing by 59.
Joe Root's second spell as England captain began in ideal fashion as Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each took five wickets to skittle Pakistan for 171 on day one of the first Test at Headingley.
Root, whose first stint as captain ended four years ago leaving him and his side exhausted, won the toss and chose to bowl first. Robinson set the tone immediately, dismissing Azan Awais leg before wicket with the very first ball of the match. He exploited the pitch's movement expertly, finishing with figures of 5-51.
Tongue took longer to find his rhythm, but once he located the right length he proved just as difficult to face, finishing with 5-46, including a devastating spell of 4-5 from just 11 balls. England needed only 48.1 overs to dismiss the tourists, who were boosted by Abdullah Shafique's 61, Imam-ul-Haq's 42, and a near two-hour rain delay.
In reply, England lost openers Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay to slip to 48-2. Once again, though, Root proved a steadying influence, guiding the hosts to 112-2 alongside Jordan Cox, who is standing in at number three for the injured Jacob Bethell. England ended the day 59 runs behind.
The match comes amid a period of transition for England following Ben Stokes' retirement and the departure of coach Brendon McCullum. Incoming coach Stephen Fleming will not take charge until winter, leaving Root with the immediate task of improving a side that has won only two of its last ten matches.
Pakistan, missing injured captain Babar Azam, have not won a series in England for 30 years. Tongue and Robinson became the first pair of England bowlers in 20 years to each take five wickets in the same Test innings. It was Robinson's second five-wicket haul in as many matches since returning to the side in June, coming just days after the birth of his first child.
