England crush Pakistan in first Test

Pakistan slumped to an innings and 103-run defeat to England in the opening Test of the three-match away series here at Headingley on Friday.

The defeat resulted in Pakistan slipping back to the bottom of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 standings with a modest winning percentage of 19.05, having been able to win just two out of their six matches, while suffering defeats in four.

England, on the other hand, remained seventh in the standings with their winning percentage now standing at 29.76, having won five matches in 14 appearances.

Australia continue to lead the WTC table after winning seven of their nine Tests, with two defeats, accumulating 84 points and a success rate of 77.78. Defending champions South Africa occupy second place with three wins from four matches, collecting 36 points and a PCT of 75.00.

The Green Shirts, who entered the ongoing series on the back of a 1-1 draw away against West Indies, were rocked by the England pace duo of Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue, who both registered five-wicket hauls to book them for a modest 171 in the first innings.

In response, the home side piled up a massive total of 409 all out despite Ali Usman’s historic five-wicket haul as Jordan Cox, Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence contributed with half-centuries.

Pakistan then needed to neutralise a 238-run deficit to avoid an innings defeat, but they could muster 135 before getting booked in 37.3 overs, registering their sixth-lowest total in England since 2000, with their 72 all out at Edgbaston in 2010 remaining their lowest this century.