Joe Root expressed genuine excitement about the way his bowlers performed as England’s fast attack wrapped up Pakistan for 135 before the tea break, cementing a decisive three‑day win in the opening Test at Headingley. The visitors were bowled out for 171 in just 48.1 overs on the first day, while England responded with an imposing 409, eventually cruising to an innings and 103‑run victory – a dream start for Root in his second stint as England captain. On the third day, the worn‑out Headingley surface proved a perfect ally for England’s seamers.
Ollie Robinson (3‑29), Jofra Archer (3‑50) and Josh Tongue (3‑43) each claimed three wickets, exploiting the variable bounce and turn that the pitch offered as the match progressed. Gus Atkinson added a tidy 1‑11, picking up a wicket of his own as the English bowlers kept the pressure relentless.
Root praised his attack after the win, insisting that the bowlers "don’t know just how good they can be". He felt that many of the men were not yet fully aware of how their skills complement each other in these particular English conditions and what they are capable of achieving together. "It’s really nice for them to see that and to start the series like that," the Yorkshireman added, highlighting the confidence boost that such a performance can generate.
Archer, who had gone wicketless in Pakistan’s first innings, made an immediate impact in the second innings, removing both openers, Azan Awais and Imam‑ul‑Haq, inside the first four overs. His early breakthroughs set the tone for the rest of the innings, showing how a quick strike can destabilise a batting line‑up and force them into a defensive mindset. Both Tongue and Robinson proved to be prolific throughout the match, each finishing with eight‑wicket hauls across the two innings.
Robinson, in particular, has emerged as a standout performer this summer, earning man‑of‑the‑match honours in the two Tests he has featured in. Root lauded the 32‑year‑old for his ability to maintain pressure deep into the game, noting that Robinson’s understanding of the different phases of a Test – from the opening burst to the middle‑innings grind and the final push – is a vital asset. "I thought Robinson was brilliant," Root said.
"The fact that he’s still as effective in the second innings, having bowled 18 overs, and his understanding of what his requirements are in different phases of the game is important. For him to be effective as the pitch changed throughout and to consistently keep asking difficult questions is a really good sign for us." The victory carries added weight after a turbulent period for England cricket. The departures of former captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum left a leadership vacuum, and Root himself was dismissed lbw for 66 on day two.
Yet the win underscored the team’s resilience and the importance of staying grounded. Root cautioned against getting carried away by the result. "It’s always important to win a Test match," he said. "You’re playing for England, right?
It’s what you set out to do every time you walk out onto that field. It’s more the fact that we delivered on everything we spoke about, that’s the most pleasing and enjoyable part of it all." He also reminded his side that a single victory is just one chapter in a longer story. "There’s an understanding that this is one game; there will be other challenges and different things to manage.
That’s the exciting part – taking the confidence from this win and being skilful enough to handle the next test, which will be at Lord’s." Reflecting on his return to the captaincy after a four‑year hiatus, Root noted that his approach this time around is markedly different. In his previous spell, he could often rely on the experience of veterans Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad to lead the bowling attack. "It was quite easy on occasion to leave Jimmy and Stuart to it," he recalled.
"Very experienced, they knew how they were going to operate." Now, with a younger, more varied unit, Root feels the need to provide clear, simple directions. "There’s a lot of different things this time round.
I’m very different as well. With everything going on around the Test match it was important to give as much clarity and simplicity to what we were trying to achieve and we delivered on that brilliantly," he said. Root also disclosed that England’s head coach Stephen Fleming has been in daily contact with him, even though Fleming will not officially assume his role until after the three‑match series against Pakistan concludes.
"He’s kept tabs on things," Root explained. "It’s just been great to have him on the end of the phone and I can speak to him as much or as little as I like. It’s great that he’s very invested already in what we’re trying to achieve and there’s been constant communication with Marcus Trescothick and me." Looking ahead, the England camp knows that the next test at Lord’s will present a fresh set of conditions – a more traditional pitch, different weather patterns, and a new tactical puzzle. The bowlers will need to adapt once again, using the confidence gained at Headingley to refine their line, length and variations.
If they can continue to surprise themselves, as Root suggests, England could have a truly formidable attack capable of challenging any opposition throughout the series. Overall, the Headingley triumph not only showcased the raw talent of England’s seamers but also highlighted the importance of leadership, clear communication, and the willingness to evolve. As the series moves forward, the team’s ability to build on this momentum while staying humble will determine whether they can sustain success and perhaps rediscover the dominant form that English cricket fans have been yearning for.