Joe Root returned as England Test captain for a second spell starting with the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley in August 2026, leading England to a commanding innings and 103 runs victory [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. England scored 409 runs in their only innings before bowling Pakistan out twice for 171 and 135 runs respectively [1, 7, 2, 6].

Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue dominated with the ball, each taking two five-wicket hauls. Robinson recorded 5-51 in the first innings and ended with a career-best match total of 8-80 wickets, while Tongue claimed 5-46 and finished with 8-89 wickets in the match [8, 9, 1, 10, 2, 11, 6]. Their combined effort was the first by two England bowlers to take five-fors in the same innings since 2006, and they commemorated it by having the match ball split in half as a souvenir [10, 11]. Robinson described the unique souvenir saying, "You don't really have too many halves of a cricket ball, so it would be something that we never forget," while Tongue added, "Robbo said we can split the ball in half. The groundstaff have kindly done that. It's the first time I've seen that happen. I'm sure I'll be putting that up somewhere" [10, 11].

Jofra Archer took the final wicket in Pakistan's second innings and dismissed Imam-ul-Haq early, helping seal the win [7, 2, 6]. Pakistan's batting struggled without injured captain Babar Azam, who missed the Test [1, 2, 6]. Abdullah Shafique top-scored for Pakistan with 61 in the first innings [1, 5, 6]. Early wickets also fell to Saud Shakeel and Shan Masood, caught off Tongue [5, 6].

England's openers ended day one on 112-2, 59 runs behind Pakistan’s first innings total, reflecting the match's initial tight contest [1, 12, 5]. Robinson opened the bowling by dismissing Azan Awais lbw with the first ball of the Test [1, 2, 5, 11, 6].

The England team is undergoing transition after the retirements of Ben Stokes and dismissal of coach Brendon McCullum [1, 2, 6]. Root's return as captain has started strongly, overcoming difficulties in his previous tenure [1, 2, 4, 5]. Debutant Jordan Cox batted at number three due to Jacob Bethell's injury [1].

Joe Root praised his side, saying, "Our team were outstanding" in reference to the innings victory [4]. Ollie Robinson also expressed optimism about the team's future, noting, "The four guys that played today – it’s a really exciting time for English cricket. You’ve got a few other lads in the background that can also come in and do the same job" [11].

The three-match series now stands at 1-0 to England after the three-day match concluded on August 21. The second Test is scheduled next, where Pakistan will look to bounce back.