Joe Root’s first match back as England’s Test captain could not have turned out more favourably – a three‑day victory followed by a well‑earned weekend break. The rapid conclusion of the game also gave fast‑bowler Josh Tongue the chance to catch the Saturday lunchtime Premier League clash between Manchester United and Hull City, a benefit that stemmed as much from England’s dominance as from Pakistan’s shortcomings.
The contest began on a Wednesday and was wrapped up before tea on Friday. Had the weather held up on the opening two days, the match might even have been finished by Thursday evening.
This brisk pace mirrors the reset England experienced earlier in the summer against New Zealand at Lord’s, where the speed of play made it difficult to gauge the true extent of any progress. In June, against the Black Caps, the notorious "Bazball" experiment was curtailed largely by a sub‑standard pitch that limited the Test to just 166 overs.
At Headingley this week, it was Pakistan’s lack of quality that forced the game to end after 175.3 overs. The pitch itself was serviceable, but Pakistan’s batting, bowling and fielding were all far below international standards, leaving the visitors shocked on every front. While England’s performance should be praised, it is important not to let Pakistan’s myriad problems completely eclipse the home side’s achievements.
The English side, led by a revitalised Root, displayed several promising signs that could point to a new era under permanent coach Stephen Fleming, who has yet to arrive in the country but spoke with Root during the Test. Root, who had been left disheartened after a string of defeats in his initial spell as captain and the challenges of navigating Covid bubbles, appeared refreshed on his home turf. He recorded a record‑extending 28th win as captain, a milestone that underscores his growing confidence. His field‑placement adjustments were notable: moving from slip to mid‑off placed him nearer to his bowlers, and a later shift to leg‑slip paid dividends when he took a catch off Jofra Archer to dismiss Azan Awais.
Root also showed tactical acumen by pulling Archer from the attack after two ineffective new‑ball overs on day one, a decision that highlighted his willingness to make bold changes without trying to emulate his predecessor Ben Stokes. Meanwhile, vice‑captain Harry Brook adopted a more restrained approach, abandoning his usual flamboyant strokes in favour of a measured game plan. Brook explained to Sky Sports that he preferred to wait for a poor delivery from Pakistan – and they certainly delivered plenty – rather than forcing the action.
If he can blend this newfound patience with his natural flair, his potential is virtually limitless. England’s batting as a unit was solid and clinical, lacking the reckless aggression often associated with "Bazball" but delivering efficient, positive stroke‑play against a comparatively weak Pakistani attack. The depth of the English middle order was evident, with Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence stepping in for the injured Jacob Bethell and the retired Ben Stokes to post lively half‑centuries. Cox, in particular, seemed at home at this level, suggesting that England have a robust pool of talent to draw from.
Pakistan’s inability to bat twice meant we could not assess whether Lawrence might become a long‑term spin option alongside a four‑bowler attack. In this match he bowled just one over, while the pace quartet of Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson proved so effective that a specialist spinner appears unlikely for the next Test. Even if a spinner were selected, it would probably improve the over‑rate rather than significantly enhance the bowling attack, which is already dominated by quicks.
The overarching lesson from Headingley is the stark contrast between the two sides. Pakistan were missing their captain and premier batsman Babar Azam due to a hand injury and were further disadvantaged by losing the toss, which forced them to bat under overcast, damp conditions. While Pakistani cricket has a history of dramatic comebacks, this particular lineup seemed ill‑prepared for English conditions, lacking the venom in their bowling and delivering sub‑par fielding performances.
The sparse attendance of Pakistani supporters at the ground also hinted at a waning connection between the team and its fan base. Looking ahead, the series could prove lengthy for Pakistan in terms of scheduled days but brief in terms of actual cricket played if England continues to dominate and weather cooperates. Victories at Lord’s and Edgbaston appear probable, provided rain does not intervene. Babar Azam’s return will certainly bolster the batting order, yet the pace attack still lacks the express speed that once defined Pakistan cricket, a legacy left by legends such as Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Ajmal and Abdul Qadir.
England have embraced a series of resets lately, and perhaps it is Pakistan’s turn to undergo a similar overhaul after losing 14 of their last 19 Tests. While a weekend break is always welcome, it is unlikely to be a pleasant one for Pakistan after a performance that could hardly have been worse. Fans can catch the start of the second Test at Lord’s live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10 am Thursday (11 am first ball) and stream via NOW. All matches are broadcast live on Sky Sports with 11 am starts across the UK and Ireland.