Headingley: Rain interrupted the opening day of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley, with the visitors reduced to 23-2 after England’s bowlers capitalized on the overcast conditions.
According to United News of Bangladesh, England won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that quickly paid dividends. Ollie Robinson made an immediate impact, taking a wicket with the first ball of the match and later dismissing Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Robinson removed opener Azan Awais for a duck with a delivery that sharply moved back into the left-hander and struck his pads. Awais reviewed the decision but the call was upheld. Robinson struck again in his fifth over, trapping Masood lbw for five.
At 6-2, Pakistan were in early trouble before Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq began to steady the innings. Shafique was unbeaten on 12 from 19 balls, while Imam had made five from 18 when rain stopped play after 9.4 overs. Robinson’s opening spell ended with figures of 5-1-12-2, while England’s other bowlers maintained pressure on the Pakistan batters.
Heavy rain forced an early lunch, although conditions briefly improved with ground staff starting to remove covers before another forecasted spell of rain. The scheduled restart was set for 1:10 pm BST, weather permitting.
This match marks a new era for England, with Joe Root returning as Test captain. Pakistan are playing without Babar Azam, sidelined due to a finger injury, while Salman Ali Agha leads the team. England also released five squad members not selected for the Test to participate in this week’s County Championship matches. They are Shoaib Bashir, Brydon Carse, Sam Cook, Matthew Fisher, and Ollie Pope.