The Pakistan Vs England Leeds Test began with Pakistan under serious pressure after the visitors were bowled out for just 171 runs on the opening day. England made the most of the opportunity and finished the day at 112/2 in their first innings, putting themselves in a strong position after a difficult start for Pakistan.
By the close of play on Wednesday, England had scored 112 runs for the loss of two wickets. Captain Joe Root remained unbeaten on 37, while Jordan Cox was not out on 23. Earlier in the innings, Ben Duckett contributed 15 runs and Emilio Gay scored 33.
Pakistan’s Mohammad Abbas and Mohammad Ali picked up one wicket each, but England ended the day firmly in control.
Pakistan Lost a Wicket on the First Ball
Pakistan could hardly have asked for a worse start. The team lost a wicket from the very first delivery of its innings when Ollie Robinson trapped Azaan Awais LBW for a duck. The early breakthrough immediately put Pakistan on the back foot.
Captain Shan Masood followed soon after, scoring only five runs before Robinson dismissed him LBW as well. With two wickets down early, Pakistan struggled to settle into the innings.
At lunch, Pakistan were 23/2. Rain interruptions also disrupted the opening session, making conditions even more difficult for the visiting side.
Abdullah Shafique Hits a Fifty
Pakistan showed some resistance in the second session, with Abdullah Shafique producing an important half-century. Imam-ul-Haq also played a useful innings, scoring 42 runs.
The pair put together a 91-run partnership that briefly appeared to have steadied Pakistan’s innings. However, England found the breakthrough when Ollie Robinson bowled Shafique, bringing the partnership to an end.
After Shafique’s dismissal, Pakistan’s batting collapsed quickly. By the tea break, the visitors had slipped to 150/7. Pakistan managed to add 127 runs during the second session but lost five wickets in the process.
The lower order could not provide enough resistance in the final session. Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 171, leaving England with a valuable opportunity to take control of the Test from the opening day itself.
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tong Take Five Wickets Each
England’s bowling attack was the main reason Pakistan struggled to post a competitive total. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tong were particularly impressive, claiming five wickets apiece.
Robinson made an immediate impact by removing Azaan Awais and Shan Masood early before later breaking the important partnership between Shafique and Imam. His five-wicket haul played a major role in restricting Pakistan to 171.
Josh Tong also made the most of the conditions and finished with five wickets, completing a dominant bowling performance from England.
England Finish Day One in a Strong Position
England’s reply was considerably more composed than Pakistan’s first innings. The hosts reached 112/2 before the close, leaving them only 59 runs behind Pakistan’s total with eight wickets still in hand.
Joe Root‘s unbeaten 37 gives England experience at the crease going into the second day, while Jordan Cox’s 23 not out provides further stability.
For Pakistan, the challenge is now to take early wickets on the second morning and prevent England from building a substantial first-innings lead. After being dismissed for 171, Pakistan will need a strong bowling performance to bring themselves back into the contest.
The opening day of the Pakistan Vs England Leeds Test therefore belonged clearly to England. Pakistan’s early batting collapse, combined with Robinson and Tong’s five-wicket hauls, left the visitors facing an uphill battle as England closed the day at 112/2.
