England vs Pakistan: Joe Root’s second spell as captain begins with huge win

First Rothesay Test, Headingley (day three of five)

Pakistan 171: Shafique 61; Tongue 5-46, Robinson 5-51 & 135: Rizwan 41

England 409: Brook 91, Cox 73, Root 66; Usman 5-95

England won by an innings and 103 runs, lead three-match series 1-0

Scorecard

England began Joe Root’s second stint as captain with a crushing defeat of a poor Pakistan inside three days at Headingley.

Root’s side steamrollered the tourists for 135 in their second innings to win the first Test by an innings and 103 runs and take the lead in the three-match series.

After months of off-field chaos and poor results culminated in the retirement of former captain Ben Stokes and the sacking of Brendon McCullum as Test coach, this was a welcome win for England – only their third in 11 matches.

But it is hard to say they have learned a great deal from this week in Leeds, given the dismal showing of the opposition. The Stokes-McCullum Bazballers would also have enjoyed a handsome win.

After two days, the most pressing question hanging over the contest was whether the visitors could survive until the weekend.

By lunch on Friday, when Pakistan were already three wickets down, it was clear this Test would not last beyond the start of the new Premier League season.

England pushed their overnight 366-8 to 409, leaving Pakistan needing 238 to make the hosts bat again. Jofra Archer removed Imam-ul-Haq from the 11th delivery of the innings and the procession was under way.

Josh Tongue took three wickets in two overs immediately after lunch for match figures of 8-89, while Ollie Robinson ended with a career-best match haul of 8-80.

England will win the series with victory in the second Test at Lord’s, beginning on Thursday.