Robinson strikes twice as Pakistan stumble at Headingley

Pakistan slip to 23-2 after England opt to field in Leeds opener

Pakistan made a shaky start to the first Test against England at Headingley on Wednesday, losing two wickets for 11 runs after the hosts won the toss and elected to field.

England’s Ollie Robinson struck twice in his opening spell, removing debutant Azan Awais for a duck in the first over before trapping Pakistan captain Shan Masood lbw for five in the fifth over.

The early wickets left Pakistan under pressure in the opening session of the five-day contest, with Imam-ul-Haq unbeaten on five and Abdullah Shafique on 12 at the end of 6.4 overs.

Robinson conceded only seven runs from 3.4 overs and found enough movement and discipline to trouble Pakistan’s top order, while Jofra Archer bowled two maiden overs without taking a wicket.

England captain Joe Root opted to put Pakistan in to bat under conditions expected to offer assistance to the seamers early in the match.

Pakistan’s innings began with immediate drama when Awais was given out lbw to Robinson after just one ball. Pakistan reviewed the decision, but the original ruling was upheld.

Masood then fell for five from 20 balls, again to Robinson, after England successfully reviewed an initial not-out decision.

Imam survived an England review at 4.1 overs, with the third umpire ruling in the Pakistan opener’s favour.

The visitors have handed responsibility to a relatively new-look top order, with Awais opening alongside Imam and Abdullah Shafique coming in at No. 4.

England, meanwhile, have Joe Root back as captain for his second stint in the role. The experienced former skipper leads a side featuring Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, while Archer provides England with added pace alongside Robinson, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue.

Pakistan’s stand-in skipper Salman Agha has a squad that includes Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali and Mohammad Abbas.

The match is the first of the Test series and also forms part of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle.

Babar is not playing due to injury.