England crushes Pakistan by innings in opening Test at Headingley

England completed a dominant performance at Headingley on Friday, dismissing Pakistan for 135 in their second innings to secure an innings victory and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match Test series. Pakistan's second-innings collapse came swiftly, with the visitors bundled out in just 37.3 overs before tea on the third day.

After England's first-innings total of 409 established a commanding 238-run advantage, Pakistan proved unable to withstand sustained pressure from the home side's seam attack. Jofra Archer made an early impact with the new ball, removing both opening batsmen, while Ollie Robinson contributed three additional wickets to the England cause. The consistent and disciplined bowling at fuller lengths, well-suited to Headingley's conditions, proved difficult for Pakistan to counter.

Root, returning to the captaincy after his predecessor's departure, praised his side's approach to the match. "You look at the preparation we had, coming straight from the Hundred, with the fact we're in a slight transition stage," Root said. "I thought the way we dealt with all of that, the clarity and the approach the guys showed this week has been outstanding."

The victory provides England with early momentum in their campaign, with the second Test scheduled to begin at Lord's on Thursday.