England dominates Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test, marking Joe Root's successful return as captain.

In a remarkable display of dominance, England commenced a new chapter under the leadership of returning captain Joe Root by defeating Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, on Friday. This match marked England's first Test since the retirement of Ben Stokes and the departure of Brendon McCullum as head coach, allowing the team to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

England's bowlers set the tone early, dismissing Pakistan for just 171 runs in their first innings. The home side then amassed a formidable total of 409 runs before bowling out Pakistan for a mere 135 in their second innings. This victory not only stands as England's largest innings win over Pakistan at Headingley but also marks their second consecutive innings victory against the visitors at this venue, following a similar triumph in 2018.

Winning the toss and opting to bowl proved to be a strategic masterstroke for England. Their pace attack, led by Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue, dismantled Pakistan's batting lineup on the first day. Both bowlers claimed five wickets each, as Pakistan crumbled from a promising 117 for 3 to a total of 171 all out. Abdullah Shafique was the standout performer for Pakistan, scoring a resilient 61 runs, but he received little support from his teammates against England's disciplined bowling.

By the end of the first day, England had established a solid position at 112 for 2, setting the stage for a commanding first-innings lead.

On the second day, England's batting lineup took full control, despite facing several rain interruptions. Harry Brook narrowly missed a century, scoring 91 runs off 93 balls, while Jordan Cox contributed a stylish 73. Root, returning as captain, added 66 runs, and Dan Lawrence chipped in with a brisk 51. Although Pakistan's left-arm spinner Ali Usman achieved his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket with figures of 5 for 95, England's relentless scoring propelled them to a total of 409, giving them a substantial 238-run lead.

In their second innings, Pakistan's batting woes continued, with the top order faltering once again. They reached lunch at 59 for 3, and despite a brief resistance from Mohammad Rizwan, who top-scored with 41, the team could not avert another collapse. Jofra Archer and Robinson spearheaded the attack, wrapping up Pakistan's innings for just 135 runs in 37.3 overs. Archer finished with 3 for 50, while Robinson took 3 for 29, sealing a comprehensive victory for England before the tea interval.

This total of 135 is among Pakistan's lowest scores in England since 2000, with only a few lower scores recorded in the past two decades. It also marked a rare occasion where England's pace bowlers claimed all 20 wickets of the Pakistan team in a Test match, a feat last achieved at Lord's in 2001.