Joe Root celebrated a commanding start to his latest reign as England’s Test captain, his side thumping Pakistan in Leeds and afterwards said Stephen Fleming has been in daily contact before he starts his role as head coach. Fleming does not take up his position until after the series against Pakistan but has been in touch with Root during the week. Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue took eight wickets apiece while Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence marked their returns to the XI with half-centuries.
Great to see, great to bat with. Dan [Lawrence] as well, the way he dovetailed with [Harry Brook], played in his own way, was brilliant.” The result made it seven consecutive Test victories at Headingley for England, a run that began with an innings win against Pakistan in 2018. It will be some time before they build on it, with the ground not hosting men’s Test cricket in 2027 and 2028.
So it’s a shame that we don’t get to play here next year. But I’m sure we’ll see many, many more brilliant Test matches here.” Pakistan’s misery was summed up by their stand-in captain’s response to whether the injured Babar Azam will return to lead for the second Test at Lord’s. He’s our best batter so we definitely want him and to hand him the captaincy.”
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