In a series of new events, England kicked off their new chapter in Test cricket with a dominating win over Pakistan, completing an innings-and-103-run triumph at Headingley on Friday, August 21. Playing their first Test since moving away from the Bazball approach, the hosts completely dominated the game. Pakistan were already under a lot of pressure after being restricted to 171 in their first innings, before another batting collapse sealed their fate. Having reached 51/2 in the second innings, the visitors were bowled out for just 135 runs.
Shameful loss for Pakistan
After the defeat, Salman Ali Agha, who led Pakistan in the absence of injured Babar Azam praised England's bowling performance, saying the Three Lions outplayed the Pakistani side in every department. However, the stand-in captain noted that their batting line-up is inexperienced in playing in such conditions and the bowlers failed to capitalise on the conditions.
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"England have outplayed us and it is fair to say. We have made many mistakes. Our batting is inexperience in these conditions but they need to be consistent. There was moisture when we bowled but our bowlers did not make the most of it. We do have bowlers who can click 140kph but these three fast bowlers had done well in West Indies and these conditions suit them," said Agha.
Babar Azam to return for second Test?
While continuing, Agha backed his pace attack to come back stronger in the next game, as they will learn from their recent mistakes. Towards the end, Agha expressed hope that Babar might come back in the second Test.
I still back them. We need to eradicate mistakes and comeback stronger in the next match. I am very happy for Ali Usman because of the way he bowled in these conditions. Also very happy for how Abdullah Shafique batted. Hopefully Babar will comeback in the next match and his presence will give a boost to our batting," he added.
Pakistan will have a chance to put the Headingley disappointment behind them when the second Test gets underway at Lord's on Thursday, August 28. The visitors face a big task as they look to level the series and revive their campaign. With nearly three decades having passed since their last series win in England, the heavy loss in the first game has only highlighted the magnitude of challenge awaiting Pakistan.