Joe Root was thrilled by the performances of his bowlers as England's pace attack dismissed Pakistan for 135 before tea, to seal a statement three-day victory in the first Test at Headingley. Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in 48.1 overs on day one, with England responding with an insuperable 409, as they romped their way to victory by an innings and 103 runs, in what was a dream start for Root in his second spell as captain. On day three, Ollie Robinson (3-29), Jofra Archer (3-50) and Josh Tongue (3-43) seized full advantage of a worn Headingley pitch as they took three wickets apiece, while Gus Atkinson (1-11) followed up with a wicket of his own.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Root hailed his bowlers after the victory, claiming they "don't know just how good they can be". "I don't think our bowlers understand well that they complement each other in these conditions, and what they're capable of doing," the Yorkshireman said. "It's really nice for them to see that and to start the series like that." Archer, who went wicketless in Pakistan's first innings, got England off to a flying start, dismissing both Pakistan openers, Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq inside four overs.
Tongue and Robinson were prolific throughout the match, with both completing eight-wicket hauls. Robinson, the pick of the bowlers, has now won man-of-the-match awards in the two Tests he has played this summer, and Root hailed the 32-year-old for his ability to keep threatening Pakistan's batters late into the match. "I thought Robinson was brilliant," Root said.
"The fact that he's still as effective in the second innings, having bowled 18 overs, and his understanding of what his requirements are in different phases of the game is important. "For him to be effective as the pitch changed throughout and to consistently keep asking difficult questions is a really good sign for us." After a chaotic few months, following the departures of former captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, Root, who was trapped lbw for 66 on day two, stressed the importance of the victory. But he added England were eager to "not get too carried away".
"It's always important to win a Test match," Root said. "You're playing for England, right? It's what you set out to do every time you walk out on to that field.
"It's more the fact that we delivered on everything we spoke about, that's the most pleasing thing and the most enjoyable thing about all of it. "There's also an understanding that this is one game; there's going to be other challenges and different things to manage. That's the exciting part, and it's taking the confidence from this and being skilful to deal with that next thing, which will be Lord's." After returning to captain England following a four-year hiatus, Root said things were different this time around.
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