Robinson double rocks Pakistan in first Test before rain stops play

Ollie Robinson marked his recall to the England Test side with a wicket on the very first ball of the match, a dramatic start to the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley. Rain interrupted play after just 50 minutes, with Pakistan stumbling at 23-2.

Robinson, replacing off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, struck lbw against Azan Awais with his opening delivery. The decision was upheld on review, with replays showing the ball would have hit middle stump. This wicket also marked Robinson's 500th first-class wicket.

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We feel there’s some overheads to work with, and a bit of top moisture that our lads can exploit.

Pakistan faced further trouble when Shan Masood was also given out lbw to Robinson. The team is already dealing with the absence of their captain, Babar Azam, who was ruled out with a hand injury before the series began. Salman Ali Agha is captaining the side for the first time in a Test. England, meanwhile, are playing their first Test match since the departures of former captain Ben Stokes and sacked red-ball coach Brendon McCullum, and are also without the architect of their aggressive 'Bazball' approach.

Joe Root, in his second tenure as full-time England Test captain, won the toss and chose to field, citing favorable overhead conditions and moisture for his bowlers. England enters the series having recently participated in limited-overs domestic competitions, while Pakistan has been playing red-ball cricket.

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It was last minute I find out I’m captaining. Babar’s absence is unfortunate. We’ve been playing a lot of red-ball cricket. We’re well prepared.