In the wake of England's dominant performance against Pakistan at Headingley, which gave Joe Root's side a 1-0 advantage in the three‑match Test series, we break down how each England player fared. The match was a showcase of both seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, and the ratings reflect their contributions, strengths, and areas for improvement. **Joe Duckett** Duckett’s innings was curtailed 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 15 runs off 28 balls in his debut knock, a modest start that highlighted his inability to build a longer innings under the circumstances. The youngster will be looking to extend his stay at the crease in future Tests, especially when given a second innings to consolidate his place. **Olly Roach** The opener, who has rediscovered his confidence after a challenging Ashes campaign, impressed against New Zealand and in The Hundred.
Roach’s resurgence suggests he could play a more pivotal role when England head to Lord's and Edgbaston. His technique appears sound, and if he continues to adapt to the demands of Test cricket, he could become a reliable top‑order option. **Harry Gay** Gay entered the game after a solid performance in a warm‑up match, which likely left him a little nervous. However, he quickly settled, striking several well‑timed boundaries before being dismissed shortly after Duckett’s wicket fell.
His ability to ease nerves and contribute with the bat bodes well for his future inclusion, especially in pressure situations. **James Cox** Cox’s performance was a mixed bag.
While he may only be holding down the No 3 spot until Jacob Bethell recovers from a knee injury, his half‑century on debut was authoritative. Although some of his runs came against sub‑par Pakistani bowling, he displayed the temperament required at the highest level. Looking ahead, Cox could carve out a niche as a wicket‑keeper‑batter, potentially challenging Jamie Smith for that specialist role if he continues to produce strong scores in the next two Tests. **Fielding Highlights** Cox also proved his worth in the field, taking two catches at slip on the third day, including a spectacular diving effort after the ball bounced off gloveman Smith’s thigh.
Such athleticism adds extra value to his overall package. **Joe Root** Root’s return to permanent captaincy was marked by a series of golden moments. Almost everything he touched with the bat turned to gold, apart from a limp shot that attracted criticism on day two. He opened his innings with his characteristic brilliance and made astute captaincy decisions, such as winning the toss and electing to bowl first under overcast conditions.
Root’s aggressive field placements—most notably his stint at leg‑slip—paid dividends, contributing to England’s third win in their last eleven Tests and signalling a promising start to a new era under his leadership. **Ben Brook** Brook, once dismissed as too immature to succeed Stokes, showed significant growth at Headingley. His 91 runs came at a near‑run‑a‑ball pace, demonstrating aggression tempered with prudence.
He explained to Sky Sports that the Headingley surface did not require rash shots, a lesson he seemed to have internalised. Although he fell just short of a century, his innings underscored his development and suggested he could be a mainstay in the middle order.
**Sam Lawrence** Lawrence faced the unenviable task of filling Ben Stokes’ void. His part‑time spin was used sparingly—just one over—due to the rapid pace of the game, but his batting shone. He amassed a fifty peppered with nine fours, showing flashes of power alongside occasional jittery moments.
With Sam Curran sidelined by injury, Lawrence is likely to feature throughout the summer, and his role with the ball may expand if Pakistan’s batting improves. His adaptability will be crucial as England shape a post‑Stokes bowling attack.
**Jamie Smith** Smith was flawless behind the stumps, yet his own batting dismissal was a self‑inflicted error—he offered a short ball too willingly, resulting in a simple catch at mid‑wicket. Nonetheless, his wicket‑keeping remained solid, and his contributions with the gloves helped England maintain pressure. If he can return to his regular run‑scoring form and sustain his high standards at Headingley, his place in the side will remain unquestioned. **James Atkinson** Atkinson’s first‑innings spell was a touch rusty, understandable given his recent focus on white‑ball cricket with the Hundred’s Manchester Super Giants.
However, he improved markedly in the second innings, claiming the crucial wicket of Mohammad Rizwan. This match marked his transition from a new‑ball specialist to a first‑change bowler, complementing the efforts of Archer and Ollie Robinson. **Ollie Robinson** Robinson returned after a niggle that kept him out of the opening Test against New Zealand.
His performance at Headingley reaffirmed his skill and control; he dismissed Azan Awais lbw with the very first ball and consistently troubled the Pakistani batsmen with precise line, length, and subtle seam movement. While the conditions and a fragile batting line‑up aided him, his mastery of the new ball was evident. Maintaining fitness will be vital for his continued success.
**Jofra Archer** Archer struggled with rhythm in the first innings, often delivering leg‑side deliveries that lacked bite. Yet on day three he regained his red‑ball groove, bowling with confidence, a broad smile, and genuine snap.
He dismantled the opening partnership 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 match and adding two fours, helping England secure a first‑innings lead of over 200 runs. **Harry Tongue and Jack Robinson (the seamers)** The headline of the match was the remarkable partnership between Tongue and Robinson, each claiming five wickets in the first innings and ending the Test with a combined total of eight wickets.
Their dominance made selecting a Player of the Match a difficult decision; ultimately, Robinson received the accolade, but both bowlers deserve a perfect 10 out of 10 rating. Tongue built on Robinson’s early breakthroughs, breaking a 91‑run third‑wicket stand and later ripping through the lower middle order. His three wickets after lunch on day three effectively ensured Pakistan could not mount a fourth‑innings chase. Stuart Broad of Sky Sports hailed Tongue as England’s "best and most valuable bowler" and a "real trump card".
His performance at Headingley, following a strong showing in the previous Ashes, positions him as a cornerstone of England’s attack heading into the next series, potentially the 2027 Ashes. **Looking Ahead** England now heads into the second Test at Lord’s with a clear set of priorities: maintain the momentum built by their bowlers, provide the younger batsmen with enough innings to develop confidence, and manage the fitness of key players like Robinson and Bethell. The ratings above reflect a balanced mix of experience and emerging talent, suggesting that England’s depth will be tested but also that they possess the tools to compete at the highest level.
For fans wanting to relive the action, the match can be streamed via NOW, and the full scorecard is available online. Additionally, Sky Sports offers a podcast and an app for on‑the‑go updates. As the series progresses, the performances at Headingley will serve as a benchmark for both individual and collective growth within the England Test squad.