England thrash Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in first Test
England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley, marking a successful start for Joe Root in his second tenure as captain. The match concluded in three days following a dominant performance by England's pace bowlers.
Why it matters
The result is a major turning point for the England cricket team following recent leadership changes and a series defeat to New Zealand.
Joe Root’s return as England captain results in a thumping win inside three days against Pakistan in first Test.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Joe Root took charge of England against Pakistan for the first time since replacing Ben Stokes as captain [Lee Smith/Reuters] By Reuters Published On 21 Aug 2026 21 Aug 2026 England crushed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs to win a one-sided first Test at Headingley and launch Joe Root’s second spell as permanent captain in style.
The convulsions which accompanied the series defeat by New Zealand eight weeks ago, with Ben Stokes stepping down and coach Brendon McCullum being relieved of his red-ball duties, were emphatically put behind them by England.
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