England crush Pakistan by innings and 103 runs to go 1-0 up in Test series


Pakistan put in a shoddy display with the bat for the second time in three days to suffer an innings defeat against England in the opening Test in Headingley. Having made only 171 in the first innings, Pakistan struggled in their second essay as well with Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson sharing nine wickets between them to bowl the visitors out for just 135. Archer first had a role to play with the bat as he took little time to drag England's lead past the 200-run mark once play commenced on the third day. But at the other end, Jamie Smith miscued one to depart for 25, after which Pakistan immediately wrapped up the England innings. However, Archer was back again on the pitch to torment Pakistan, this time with the ball to strike in his very first over to get rid of Imam-ul-Haq. Shan Masood then counter-punched with a few boundaries to help Pakistan settle down after the early blows but at the other end, it was Robinson's turn to strike. Looking to defend, Abdullah Shafique only managed to edge the ball to second slip, putting Pakistan under severe pressure at the stroke of Lunch. Pakistan's woes continued even after the break as Tongue ripped through their middle order. Saud Shakeel departed first which was then followed by Tongue prizing out Masood and Salman Agha in the same over to pretty much put the game to bed. With the loss now inevitable, Mohammad Rizwan played a few shots but Robinson added to his tally at the other end to finish with a three-wicket haul. Gus Atkinson was finally rewarded with Rizwan's wicket before Archer put Pakistan out of their misery in the 38th over of the innings.