After England’s dominant innings victory over Pakistan at Headingley, which gave Joe Root’s side a 1-0 advantage in the three‑match Test series, we’ve taken a fresh look at each player’s performance. Below is a comprehensive rating and analysis of the squad, highlighting standout contributions, areas for improvement, and what the future may hold for the England Test team.
**Sam Duckett** Duckett’s outing was limited by the fact that Pakistan never forced England to bat a second time, leaving him with only a single opportunity to make an impact. He managed a brisk 15 off 28 balls in the first innings, but the lack of a second innings meant he couldn’t build on that start. The young opener has rediscovered confidence after a challenging Ashes series, impressing in the New Zealand tour and the Hundred competition. Going forward, he will be looking to cement a more central role when the Tests move to Lord’s and Edgbaston.
**James Gay** Gay entered the match fresh from a pair of scores in a warm‑up game, so nerves were a natural concern. He quickly allayed those doubts by striking a series of well‑timed boundaries before being dismissed shortly after Duckett’s wicket fell. The Durham‑born batsman still appears vulnerable to deliveries that angle across his body, yet his early Test career shows promise, highlighted by two half‑centuries against New Zealand. A big innings in the near future would solidify his place.
**Jacob Cox** Cox may be temporarily holding the No 3 slot while Jacob Bethell recovers from a knee injury, but his half‑century at the top of the order made a strong case for a longer stay. Although some of his runs came off sub‑par Pakistani bowling, his technique and temperament were evident. Looking ahead, Cox could evolve into a specialist wicket‑keeper‑batter, providing a dual skill set that might challenge Jamie Smith for the gloves in upcoming fixtures. **Fielding Highlights** Cox also contributed in the field, taking two catches at slip on the final day, including a spectacular diving effort after the ball ricocheted off Smith’s thigh.
Such athleticism adds valuable depth to England’s slip cordon. **Joe Root** Root’s return to permanent captaincy was marked by a series of golden moments.
Apart from a rare mis‑fired shot on day two, everything he touched turned into runs. He batted with his customary elegance, and his captaincy decisions—winning the toss and electing to bowl first under overcast conditions—paid dividends. Root’s willingness to lead from the front was evident when he hooked Jofra Archer’s wayward early overs, and his unconventional field placements, such as a stint at leg‑slip, helped England secure only their third win in the last eleven Tests, signalling a promising start to a new era. **Ben Brook** If doubts about Brook’s maturity contributed to him being overlooked as a potential successor to Stokes, his performance at Headingley suggests he’s maturing quickly.
He compiled a brisk 91, scoring at nearly a run a ball, yet avoided the reckless stroke‑play that has haunted him in the past. Brook explained to Sky Sports that the Headingley surface didn’t demand rash shots, and his measured approach paid off, even though he fell just short of a century for the second consecutive home Test. **Will Jacks (Lawrence)** Lawrence faced the unenviable task of filling the void left by Ben Stokes.
His part‑time spin was used sparingly—just one over—due to the rapid pace of the match, but his batting shone. He struck nine fours in his fifty, showing the ability to dominate when required. Whether he will take on a larger bowling role depends on Pakistan’s future performances; for now, his batting provides a solid bridge in the post‑Stokes era.
Sam Curran’s injury further cements Lawrence’s likely presence in the side for the remainder of the summer. **Jamie Smith** Smith was flawless behind the stumps, though he was disappointed by a self‑inflicted dismissal, offering a short ball meekly to mid‑wicket. Nevertheless, his wicket‑keeping remained solid, and his lower‑order batting did not alter the outcome. If he can consistently contribute runs and maintain his high standards with the gloves, his place in the side will remain unquestioned.
**Jofra Archer** Archer struggled with rhythm early on, appearing a bit too leg‑side in the first innings—perhaps a residual effect of his recent white‑ball commitments with the Hundred’s Manchester Super Giants. However, he found his groove on day three, delivering with a bright smile and genuine snap. He dismissed both openers, Imam‑ul‑Haq and Azan Awais, and later claimed the decisive wicket of Mohammad Abbas, helping to seal England’s dominance.
**Tom Atkinson** Much like Archer, Atkinson seemed a touch rusty in the opening innings, understandable after a long spell in limited‑overs cricket. He improved markedly in the second innings, picking up the only wicket of the game—Mohammad Rizwan—demonstrating his adaptability when shifted from a new‑ball role to first change.
His ability to transition between roles will be valuable as England fine‑tunes its pace attack. **Ollie Robinson** Robinson returned to the Test arena after a niggling injury that kept him out of the season‑opening clash with New Zealand.
His performance was nothing short of spectacular: a flawless first‑ball lbw to Azan Awais and relentless pressure through a probing line, length, and subtle seam movement. While conditions and a fragile Pakistani batting line‑up aided his success, his skill set remains undeniable.
Maintaining fitness will be crucial for his continued impact. **Timothy Tongue** Tongue’s spell was a masterclass in seam bowling. After Robinson’s early five‑for, Tongue seized the momentum, breaking a 91‑run third‑wicket partnership and later dismantling the lower middle order. His three wickets after lunch on day three essentially ensured England would not face a fourth‑innings chase.
Hailed by former England bowler Stuart Broad as the nation’s "best and most valuable bowler" and a "real trump card," Tongue’s performances in the recent Ashes and his potential role in the 2027 series underline his importance to England’s future bowling strategy. **Overall Ratings** Both Tongue and Robinson earned perfect 10‑out‑of‑10 scores in our rating system, reflecting their decisive influence on the match. While Robinson was named Player of the Match, it would be impossible to separate their contributions; together they accounted for sixteen wickets and consistently troubled the Pakistani batsmen.
**Looking Ahead** The next Test at Lord’s promises another compelling chapter. With the likes of Bethell expected to return to fitness, England will have a wealth of options in both batting and bowling departments.
Maintaining the momentum built at Headingley, especially from the seam attack, will be vital as the series progresses. For fans wishing to follow the action, the upcoming fixtures can be streamed via NOW, and all live coverage remains available on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event.
The England‑Pakistan rivalry continues to deliver excitement, and the performances highlighted above set the stage for a thrilling remainder of the series.