England crush Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in Root's captaincy return

Joe Root's return as England's full-time Test captain began with an emphatic victory, as the team crushed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the opening match of their series. This commanding win not only secured vital ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 points but also marked a strong start for Root's second captaincy stint, which previously ran from 2017 to 2022.

Pakistan struggled from the outset after being asked to bat, managing only 171 in their first innings. England's pace bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue were instrumental, each taking five wickets. England then asserted dominance with their batting lineup. Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook, and Dan Lawrence all scored half-centuries, building a substantial first-innings lead of 238 runs. Ali Usman was a notable performer for Pakistan, taking 5 wickets.

The second innings saw Pakistan's batting weaknesses exposed once again. Despite crossing the 100-run mark, they were bowled out for 135. Jofra Archer, Robinson, and Tongue took wickets at key moments, with Gus Atkinson sealing the win. Mohammad Rizwan offered some resistance with 41 runs. This victory places England in a stronger WTC position, while Pakistan now sits at the bottom of the table.

The match also saw several records fall. Pakistan's second-innings total of 135 was their sixth-lowest Test score in England since 2000. It was also only the second time England's pacers had taken all 20 wickets against Pakistan in a Test. This innings victory ranks as England's fifth-largest against Pakistan, highlighting the team's dominant performance.