The first Test between England and Pakistan got off to a dramatic start at Headingley as the hosts immediately found movement under overcast conditions. Joe Root won the toss and elected to bowl first, and his decision paid off when Ollie Robinson produced a superb delivery with the opening ball of the match. The Pakistan batter had no answer to the late movement and was trapped LBW without scoring.
Ollie Robinson produces stunning delivery to dismiss Azan Awais
Robinson started the Test in sensational fashion with a wobble-seam delivery that moved sharply back into Azan Awais. The ball stayed relatively low and caught the Pakistan opener in front of the off stump as he attempted to play his shot. Awais appeared to sit back on the delivery and was unable to adjust to the movement.
The ball beat his bat and struck him in front, leaving the umpire with little hesitation before raising his finger. Pakistan reviewed the decision, but ball-tracking confirmed that the delivery would have gone on to hit the stumps. Awais was therefore dismissed for a golden duck, giving Robinson a wicket with the very first delivery of the Test.
Here’s the video:
Hello and welcome to Day One of the 1st Test betw…
Robbo strikes! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/VWTcBHyxXD
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 19, 2026
Pakistan lose two early wickets at Headingley
England’s strong start continued when Robinson struck again in the same opening spell, trapping Shan Masood LBW for just five runs. Pakistan were suddenly reduced to 6/2 as the hosts’ seamers made the most of the conditions. England then unsuccessfully reviewed an LBW appeal against Imam-ul-Haq, with ball-tracking showing that the delivery had pitched outside the line.
Imam survived and was joined by Abdullah Shafique as Pakistan looked to rebuild their innings. The pair faced a testing period against Robinson and Gus Atkinson, with England continuing to find movement from the surface. Pakistan were struggling at 23/2 after 9.4 overs, with Imam and Shafique at the crease as the visitors attempted to steady their innings.
Also READ: ENG vs PAK: Jordan Cox reveals crucial advice from Virat Kohli ahead of Headingley Test