LEEDS, England: England thrashed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in the first Test at Headingley on Friday to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
England were bowled out for 409 in their first innings on the third day, securing a 238-run lead after Pakistan were dismissed for 171. Harry Brook top-scored for England with 91, while Jordan Cox made 73.
Pakistan, beginning their second innings 238 runs behind, again struggled with the bat and were bowled out for just 135 in 38 overs.
Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a duck, while Aizaan Awais scored nine, Abdullah Shafique 15, Saud Shakeel 14 and captain Salman Ali Agha four. Shan Masood made 29 and Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with 41.
England bowlers Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue took three wickets each to dismantle Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Earlier, Pakistan’s Ali Usman claimed five wickets and Khurram Shahzad took three as England were restricted to 409.
The victory gives England a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second Test is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Aug. 27.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, Pakistan’s stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged that England outclassed his side in every department during the first Test, saying Pakistan failed to perform consistently and could not execute its plans.
Salman said consistency was essential to winning in England and stressed that any team could make a comeback in cricket.
“Our team has the ability, but we could not execute our plans,” Salman said.
He said playing in England had always been challenging for Pakistan and the team had arrived only a week before the Test, leaving limited time to adjust to the conditions.
Salman said Pakistan were currently going through a rebuilding phase and acknowledged that their bowling attack lacked experience. He added that the team was focused on preparing for the future.
The stand-in captain also admitted that he, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel had struggled for form.
“I accept that I, Rizwan and Saud have not been performing,” Salman said, adding that their lack of form was a concern.
He expressed hope that Babar Azam would recover in time for the next Test and said Pakistan would need to improve significantly in away series.
More read, England bowled out for 409, take 238-run lead over Pakistan
“We have not been able to play well in away series,” Salman said.
