We have evaluated the performances of England’s squad following their dominant innings victory over Pakistan at Headingley, a win that gave Joe Root’s side a 1-0 advantage in the three‑match Test series. The assessment covers each player’s contributions, highlights, and areas for improvement, while also offering context for future selections.
Starting with the opening partnership, Duckett was left stranded after Pakistan’s bowlers chose not to force England into a second innings, meaning his 15 runs off 28 balls remained his only contribution. Despite the limited opportunity, his early knock demonstrated the resilience he has shown since rediscovering his form after a challenging Ashes campaign, impressing in the series against New Zealand and in The Hundred.
The expectation is that he will assume a more central batting role when England head to Lord’s and Edgbaston. In contrast, Gay entered the match fresh from a two‑wicket haul in a warm‑up game, which likely left him a little nervous. He quickly settled those nerves by striking several well‑timed boundaries before being dismissed shortly after Duckett’s wicket fell.
The Durham‑born batsman still appears susceptible to deliveries angled across his body, yet his early Test record – highlighted by two half‑centuries against New Zealand – suggests a bright future if he can convert starts into bigger scores. Streaming options for England versus Pakistan are available on NOW, and the full scorecard can be consulted for detailed statistics. Fans can also catch the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast or download the Sky Sports app for on‑the‑go updates.
Jacob Bethell’s injury continues to keep him out of the side, meaning the No 3 slot remains temporarily occupied by Cox. He made a compelling case for a permanent place by delivering an authoritative half‑century after the first wicket fell, taking advantage of some wayward Pakistani bowling but still showing composure at the crease.
Cox’s long‑term prospects may lie in a dual role as wicket‑keeper‑batter; strong performances in the next two Tests could see him challenge Jamie Smith for the gloves. Cox also proved his fielding mettle, taking two catches at slip on the final day, including a spectacular diving effort after a ball rose off Smith’s thigh. Such athleticism adds depth to England’s fielding unit.
Joe Root, back in the captain’s chair on a permanent basis, turned almost everything he touched into gold, with only a few minor lapses – a limp shot and a sub‑par review on day two – marring an otherwise flawless display. He continued his usual brilliance with the bat and made astute tactical decisions, opting to bowl Pakistan in overcast conditions that favoured seam movement. Positioned at mid‑off for much of the innings, Root was able to communicate effectively with his bowlers and even surprised the opposition by hooking Jofra Archer after two modest overs in the first innings.
His unconventional field placements, such as moving himself to leg‑slip, paid dividends and helped England secure their third win in the last eleven Tests – a promising start to a new leadership era. Ben Brook, often discussed as a potential successor to Stokes, showed signs of growing maturity at Headingley. His aggressive 91‑run innings was measured rather than reckless; he explained to Sky Sports that the Headingley pitch did not require "rash shots" – a lesson learned from earlier criticism of his impulsive style. Brook narrowly missed a century, falling in the 90s for the second consecutive home Test, but his ability to dominate the bowlers and score at a near‑run‑a‑ball rate indicated significant progress.
Sam Curran’s injury opened the door for Tom Lawrence, who faced the unenviable task of filling Stokes’s all‑rounder role. Lawrence’s part‑time spin was used sparingly – just one over – as the match progressed quickly, but his batting shone with nine fours in a solid fifty, despite a few moments of nervousness. Whether he will become a regular bowler depends on Pakistan’s improvement, but his performance suggests he could be a valuable component of England’s post‑Stokes strategy, especially as Sam Curran remains sidelined for the summer. Jamie Smith was flawless behind the stumps, though he was frustrated by his own dismissal – a short ball he padded to mid‑wicket.
Nevertheless, his wicket fell with the tail still intact and did not affect the outcome. If Smith can consistently contribute runs and maintain his high standard of wicket‑keeping, his place in the side will remain unquestioned.
The seam attack featured a mix of experience and emerging talent. Atkinson, transitioning from white‑ball cricket with the Hundred’s Manchester Super Giants, appeared a little rusty in the first innings – understandable after a long spell of limited‑overs play. He improved in the second innings, claiming the crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan, which helped England regain momentum.
This Test saw Atkinson move from opening the new ball to first change, a role adjustment that may suit him as he gains more red‑ball experience. Ollie Robinson delivered a masterclass in control and skill, despite concerns about his durability after a niggle in the opening Test of the summer against New Zealand. He dismissed Azan Awais lbw with the first ball and consistently troubled the Pakistani batsmen with his probing line, length, and subtle seam movement.
Conditions aided his performance, but his ability to generate movement on a responsive pitch underscores his quality. Staying fit will be crucial for his continued success. Jofra Archer struggled with rhythm early on, tending to bowl too much on the leg side in the first innings. By day three, however, he found his groove, bowling with confidence, a big smile, and a sharp snap.
He dismantled the opening pair of Imam‑ul‑Haq and Azan, reducing Pakistan to 13‑2, and later claimed the match‑winning wicket of Mohammad Abbas. Archer also contributed with the bat, hitting the only six of the game and adding two fours, helping England build a first‑innings lead of over 200 runs. The headline‑making performance came from the duo of Tom Tongue and Ben Robinson, each claiming five wickets in the first innings and finishing with eight wickets each across the match. Their dominance made the Player‑of‑the‑Match decision difficult, but Robinson ultimately received the accolade.
Both bowlers earned a perfect 10‑out‑of‑10 rating in our assessment. Tongue broke a 91‑run third‑wicket partnership early, then continued to dismantle the lower middle order, taking three more wickets after lunch on day three and virtually ensuring England would not face a fourth innings.
Stuart Broad of Sky Sports hailed Tongue as England’s "best and most valuable bowler" and a "real trump card," a sentiment echoed by many analysts. His performances in the previous Ashes and his potential impact on the 2027 Ashes series could prove pivotal for England’s future success. Looking ahead, the second Test at Lord’s is set to begin at 11 a.m. (10 a.m.
GMT) and will be streamed live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event, with contract‑free viewing available via NOW. All matches will be broadcast live across the UK and Ireland, ensuring fans can follow England’s campaign every step of the way.