Joe Root's second spell as England Test captain began with a dominant performance as his side skittled Pakistan for 171 at Headingley. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each claimed five-wicket hauls, with Robinson taking 5-51 and Tongue 5-46. Despite a lengthy rain delay and a brief fightback from Pakistan, England bowled the tourists out in 48.1 overs. Abdullah Shafique top-scored with 61, but the hosts closed day one on 112-2 in reply, trailing by 59 runs. Root, who succeeded Ben Stokes following his retirement, made the decisive call to bowl first under leaden skies, a move that paid immediate dividends.

England's batting lineup lost Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay early but Jordan Cox and Root (37no) steadied the ship with an unbroken 64-run stand. The day's play was extended due to the earlier rain interruption, which could impact day two's proceedings.