England rout Pakistan on day one of first Test with twin five‑wicket hauls
A dominant opening day sees England claim a crushing victory, highlighted by 5‑51 from Robinson and 5‑46 from Tongue, and marks Pakistan’s first series defeat in England in 30 years.
England opened the series against Pakistan with a comprehensive win on the first day of the Test, buoyed by two five‑wicket hauls that set the tone for the match.
After winning the toss and electing to field, captain Joe Root’s side struck early. Harry Brook, positioned at second slip, took a low catch to dismiss Imam‑ul‑Haq for 42. Later, Abdullah Shafique, who had added 61 runs, fell to a back‑of‑hand delivery from Robinson that bowled him clean.
Robinson, the 32‑year‑old bowler, finished with figures of 5‑51 from 18 overs – a performance that coincided with his 500th first‑class wicket, taken at an average of 21. His spell also claimed Saud Shakeel lbw after a lengthy appeal; umpire Allahuddien Paleker took his time before confirming the decision, although replays suggested the ball missed the leg stump.
Pakistan’s batting collapsed from 117‑3 to being bowled out for 171, losing their final seven wickets for just 54 runs within 49 overs. Stand‑in captain Salman Agha, deputising for the injured Babar Azam, was the first to fall, trapped by Tongue. The paceman then dismissed Ali Usman lbw on the very next ball, putting himself on a hat‑trick at tea. Khurram Shahzad managed a four before Tongue removed Mohammad Rizwan lbw. Robinson completed his fifth five‑wicket haul in just 22 Tests when Shahzad edged to the keeper, and Tongue sealed the day by bowling Mohammad Abbas for his fifth wicket.
Tongue’s figures read 5‑46 from just over nine overs, ripping through the English line‑up. The day also marked the first time in three decades that Pakistan have failed to secure a series win on English soil, underscoring England’s resurgence following the departures of former captain Ben Stokes and red‑ball coach Brendon McCullum. Rain later curtailed play, leaving the remainder of the day washed out.
The dominant new‑ball display puts immediate pressure on Pakistan’s batting order and suggests a smooth transition under Root’s captaincy, giving England momentum as the series progresses.
First reported by the original wire report.
