LEEDS: Joe Root has praised England’s new-look pace attack after the hosts completed an innings-and-103-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley on Friday.
The victory marked Root’s return as England’s full-time Test captain after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket and Brendon McCullum left his role as red-ball coach.
England dominated from the opening delivery, with Ollie Robinson taking a wicket with the first ball of the match. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 171 in their first innings before England posted 409.
The visitors then collapsed for 135 in their second innings, handing England a comprehensive victory inside three days.
Robinson and Tongue Lead England’s Attack
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were the standout performers with the ball.
Both pacers claimed five wickets in Pakistan’s first innings. They added three wickets each in the second innings as England completed a convincing victory.
Robinson, who returned to England duty for the match, finished with impressive match figures of 8-80 and was named Player of the Match.
Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson also provided valuable support to the two leading pacers.
The four fast bowlers had never played together for England before the Headingley Test, but their combination immediately impressed Root.
Root Impressed by New Pace Quartet
Root said the four fast bowlers may not yet fully appreciate their potential as a group.
“I don’t think they really understand how good they are, how well they complement each other and what they are capable of doing in these conditions.”
Root acknowledged that England will face different challenges on other pitches but said the attack had made an excellent start.
During Root’s first spell as England captain, he relied heavily on legendary fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
The emergence of a new generation of pace bowlers could now give England another strong combination for the coming Test matches.
Fleming Set to Take Over as England Coach
The Headingley victory was England’s first Test without the two key figures behind the Bazball era.
Stokes has retired from international cricket, while McCullum was removed as red-ball coach following England’s recent home series defeat against New Zealand.
Former England opener Marcus Trescothick assisted Root in Leeds on an interim basis.
Stephen Fleming is set to take over as England’s new red-ball coach.
Root said Fleming had been closely following the team’s progress and that they had spoken every day during the Test.
“He’s kept tabs on things. It’s been great to have him on the end of the phone,” Root said.
Pakistan Struggle in English Conditions
Pakistan now have little time to recover before the second Test at Lord’s, which begins on August 27.
The defeat extended Pakistan’s difficult overseas record. They have now won just one of their last 10 Tests away from home.
Pakistan’s batting struggled throughout the match, while their fielding also came under criticism after several dropped catches and poor attempts to stop boundaries.
England’s 409 was built around half-centuries from Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Joe Root and Dan Lawrence.
Pakistan’s attack also lacked the pace threat associated with some of the country’s previous Test sides.
Salman Ali Agha Calls for Patience
Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha admitted that the team’s away record was a concern.
He also pointed to the limited preparation time before the series, with Pakistan arriving in England only about a week before the first Test after their series in the West Indies.
However, Salman rejected the idea that supporters should be overly concerned about the team’s future.
“It’s an inexperienced side but it’s not about worrying about the future — it’s about making a future,” he said.
Babar Azam Could Return at Lord’s
Pakistan could receive a major boost if regular captain Babar Azam returns for the second Test.
Babar missed the opening match after failing a fitness test because of a hand injury.
Salman said he would be happy to hand the captaincy back to Babar if the regular skipper is fit to return.
“I’m more than happy to hand back the captaincy. Hopefully he is fine,” Salman said.
Pakistan will now hope for a much-improved performance at Lord’s as they attempt to level the three-match series against an England side that has made an impressive start to its new Test era.
