England beats Pakistan by innings and 103 runs at Headingley, leads series 1-0

England secured a commanding innings-and-103-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The win, completed inside three days, marks a strong start to Joe Root's second tenure as England captain and significantly impacts the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings.

After winning the toss and electing to field, England's pace attack dominated from the outset. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each claiming five-wicket hauls. England's batsmen then built a substantial lead, scoring 409. Harry Brook top-scored with 91, supported by Jordan Cox (73), Root (66), and Dan Lawrence (51). Pakistan's Ali Usman took five wickets in the innings.

Facing a 238-run deficit, Pakistan's batting lineup collapsed again, being dismissed for just 135 in their second innings before tea on the third day. Mohammad Rizwan was the only batter to offer significant resistance, scoring 41. Robinson, Tongue, and Jofra Archer each took three wickets in the innings, sealing the comprehensive victory.

The result has reshuffled the WTC table. England, despite the win, remain in seventh place...