Harry Brook Punishes Pakistan After Drop, England Strengthen Grip at Headingley

Harry Brook has punished Pakistan for dropping him at the start of his innings with a quickfire 91 that strengthened England’s grip on the first cricket Test at Headingley. England were 366-8 at stumps on a rain-marred second day on Thursday, 195 runs ahead of Pakistan’s meagre first innings of 171. Recommended Stories list of 4 items- list 1 of 4Ex-Bangladesh cricket captain Shakib’s home petrol-bombed in Hasina fallout - list 2 of 4Pakistan beat West Indies to end 8 away Test losing streak and draw series - list 3 of 4US cricket player Reddy receives eight-year ban for match-fixing - list 4 of 4Cricket: India pace star Bumrah ruled out of tour of Sri Lanka The only sadness for the crowd was that neither of their local Yorkshire heroes were able to post a century, with skipper Joe Root out for 66 before Brook fell late in the day. Dan Lawrence, recalled after the international retirement of former captain Ben Stokes, made 51 and put on 120 with Brook in England’s first Test of the post-Bazball era. Jordan Cox (73) and Root had earlier shared a third-wicket stand of exactly 150 before falling in quick succession to give Pakistan a glimmer of hope in the first of this three-Test series. Brook, however, should then have been out for one when he edged Khurram Shahzad, only for diving Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, leading the side in place of the injured Babar Azam, to drop the chance at second slip. Brook cashed in and was in sight of what would have been his first Test century at Headingley – and 11th in 39 matches overall – when he tried to turn left-arm spinner Ali Usman legside only for the ball to hit his leg before rattling the stumps. The 27-year-old faced just 93 balls, hitting 13 fours. It was the second time Brook, the number one batsman in the red-ball rankings, had been out in the 90s of a Test at Headingley following his 99 against India last year. Usman was the pick of an otherwise largely ineffective all-pace attack with 5-92 in 23 overs, his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket coming in just his third match. After dismissing three specialist batsmen, Usman removed tailenders Gus Atkinson and Ollie Robinson with successive deliveries before Jofra Archer survived the hat-trick ball. England, following a washed-out morning session, resumed on 112-2 after pacemen Robinson (5-51) and Josh Tongue (5-46) had shared all 10 Pakistan wickets between them on Wednesday. Root and Cox run riot Root, at the start of his second stint as full-time England captain, was 37 not out with number three Cox – replacing the injured Jacob Bethell – unbeaten on 23. Cox was severe on anything loose and the 25-year-old marked his second Test with a maiden fifty when he turned Mohammad Abbas past leg slip for his 10th boundary in 78 balls faced. That was the end of the over, and just as Robinson and Tongue had reached their five-wicket hauls Wednesday off successive deliveries, the next ball saw Root follow Cox to fifty by whipping Mohammad Ali through the legside for four. Cox was fortunate on 57 when Shahzad dropped a return catch off a miscued pull. Usman succeeded where the seamers had failed, however, when a fending Cox edged a sharply turning delivery to wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan. England’s 198-3 became 202-4 when Root was leg before wicket (LBW) four balls later to give the persevering Shahzad his lone wicket of an expensive 19 overs costing 111 runs. The failure of Cox and Root to go on to a really big score arguably represented two more examples of the lack of ruthlessness that has plagued England during a run of seven defeats in their last nine Tests. But it made little difference Thursday, with Pakistan’s plight summed up when Agha tried to run out the advancing Lawrence, after the ball rebounded off the batsman’s pads, only for his throw from slip to hit the back of Rizwan’s legs.

England thrashes Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in first test at Headingley England thrashes Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in first test at Headingley LEEDS, England (AP) — England wrapped up an innings win over Pakistan inside three days in the first test on Friday, delivering a strong start to the post-Bazball era under returning captain Joe Root. Dismissed for 409 around 40 minutes into day three, England took a 238-run advantage into the second innings and skittled Pakistan for 135 in 37.3 overs before tea. England won by an innings and 103 runs for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second test starts on Thursday at Lord’s. “Brilliant performance,” Root said. “You look at the prep we had leading in, coming straight from the Hundred, the fact we’re in a slight transition stage. I thought the way that we dealt with all of that, the clarity and the way the guys approached this week has been outstanding.” England’s battery of four seamers pestered consistently at a fuller length that’s required at Headingley and Pakistan couldn’t endure it. Jofra Archer removed the openers with the new ball, Ollie Robinson got three more wickets, Josh Tongue was introduced after lunch and took three wickets averaging 143 kph (89 mph), and Gus Atkinson bowled superbly for the late reward of Pakistan top scorer Mohammad Rizwan. Robinson and Tongue each took eight wickets in the match. They took five each in the first innings and literally split the match ball in half. Robinson was named the player of the match for his 8-80 compared to Tongue’s 8-89. This was Robinson’s first test since June when he took 7-77 against New Zealand. He’d been working on his fitness, he said, and his partner had their first baby last week. “I’m going to try and get as much sleep as I can before the next test,” he said. England is in a new era following the retirement of captain Ben Stokes and the firing of Brendon McCullum as test coach after the 2-1 series loss to New Zealand in June. ‘England outplayed us’ Pakistan arrived with a semblance of confidence after drawing the series in the West Indies this month and playing a warmup match last week. But Pakistan looked rusty and the bowling and fielding was less than ordinary. The question, after finishing England’s first innings in the morning, was whether the visitor could force play into a fourth day. England, 366-8 overnight, added 43 runs for its first 400-plus total in 10 tests. Archer pulled the only six of the match. Khurram Shahzad took both wickets and showed the pitch was still offering plenty for the bowlers. Pakistan started 0-1 for the second time in the match. Imam-ul-Haq bent backwards to an Archer bouncer and the ball brushed a glove. Azan Awais, who fell to the first ball of the series, then nicked to Root at leg slip and Archer had dismissed both openers. The pressure was on veterans Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique to endure, but Robinson broke their partnership in the 14th over. Robinson busted through Shafique’s determined defense with a nick to second slip. Pakistan went to lunch at 59-3 with Masood set at the ground where he spent two seasons playing for Yorkshire. But straight after the interval Tongue was given the ball and Root’s field placement paid off. Dan Lawrence had just been sent to backward square when Saud Shakeel whipped Tongue straight to him. Masood then tried pushing at Tongue and edged to England’s new first slip, Ben Duckett. Tongue had two wickets in two balls as he did in the first innings and couldn’t nail the hat trick. But Tongue soon had 3-7 in 11 balls when he pinned stand-in skipper Salman Agha on 8 and was hastening Pakistan’s demise at 76-6. Rizwan, Pakistan’s last recognized batter at No. 7, top-scored with 41 but, for someone playing his 46th test, surprisingly failed to shepherd the tail. Rizwan was the ninth man out. Five minutes later the game was over. “England have outplayed us, they’ve been outstanding in every department,” Agha told the BBC. “We need to flush this game out and turn it around at Lord’s. ___

Of all the places for England to begin a new era, Headingley is the most difficult to shake off the memory of Ben Stokes. In the city of Stokes' greatest miracle, the home side must plot a future without a captain, all-rounder and talisman, starting against Pakistan on Wednesday. Yet, for all Stokes' legendary achievements it cannot be said his four-year spell as England captain ended with the team in a better state than he found it. Stokes inherited a team that had won only one in 17 and exited with two wins in 10. New, old skipper Joe Root might wonder about the chaos his old mucker has left behind. England have sacked Brendon McCullum as Test coach and replaced him with Stephen Fleming, only Fleming is not yet in post, meaning Marcus Trescothick is interim boss, all while McCullum remains floating around as white-ball gaffer. It leaves this three-match series against Pakistan with a feeling of impermanence, not unlike Root's last tour as captain in the West Indies in 2022. England lost 1-0 with Paul Collingwood as temporary coach and Root resigned as captain soon after. Root was left broken by his first, five-year, stint in the top job. There was a time when he would not have considered returning as skipper. Still, here he is on his home ground, ready to go again, smiling, excited and energised by his comeback. Plenty will wonder why he wants to put himself through it all once more. Well, consider what it must be like to give up the England captaincy, to admit you can no longer do a dream job. Root will have regrets from his first attempt, and maybe a sense of unresolved business. How irresistible it must be to get a second chance that very few are afforded. If we thought Stokes' destiny was to end with an Ashes win next summer, then the all-rounder was unable to finish his story. Now Root has the opportunity to finish his. The Yorkshireman has acknowledged one challenge of this captaincy is how some may view his first reign. Root was regularly self-deprecating about his own leadership during Stokes' tenure. Yes, there was the one win in 17 to end it all, but before that, Root's record was pretty good: 26 wins from his first 47 matches in charge gave a success rate of 55%. As a comparison, Stokes won 54% of his Tests as skipper, Michael Vaughan 51% and Mike Brearley 58%. Covid destroyed Root's team, and there are other reasons why Root might also feel he didn't get a fair shake first time around. His tenure as captain coincided with a prioritisation of white-ball cricket and, when he stood in for Stokes against New Zealand in June, he admitted to some envy at not getting the chance to work alongside McCullum. Not that everything went against Root. One could argue that, given the players at his disposal, he should have had a better record as captain. Peak Stokes, England's two greatest bowlers in James Anderson and Stuart Broad, plus the luxury of further all-rounders Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali. Root did not get to lead the best version of Alastair Cook, but the late-career Sir Chef would improve the current England team. Root may feel he is better placed to captain England now, yet he is taking over if not a worse, then certainly a much more inexperienced team. Perhaps he will find this group easier to mould in his image. In his first Test as captain, in 2017, Root was the third-youngest player in the XI. In 2026, at the age of 35, he is comfortably the oldest. For plenty of supporters the main worry will be the possibility of a detrimental effect the captaincy could have on Root's batting, and it is true that his average with the armband - 46.7 - is some way off his stellar career mark of 53.3. That discrepancy is mainly because of a poor run in the middle of his first stint as skipper. Root averaged 37 in 2019, the year before things started going wrong for England during Covid. In 2021, mid-pandemic and with the team falling apart, Root racked up 1,708 runs - the most by any England batter in a calendar year. He later explained that batting, being in the middle, was the only time he got any peace. Root remains England's best player. Since the beginning of the Bazball era, he has scored almost 1,000 more Test runs than any other batter in the world. In the same period, he has moved second on the all-time list of run-scorers, with Sachin Tendulkar now in his sights. Catchin' Sachin is the sub-plot to Root's second stint as captain, and he is adamant he can juggle the jobs of leadership and run-scoring. His job as a leader will be to mould a group of players whose education in Test cricket was hampered by the informal approach of Stokes and McCullum. That point about Stokes not leaving the England squad in a better place than he found it? Root's team have questions about an opener and wicketkeeper, a makeshift number three, no obvious all-round option and are without a world-class spinner. England start as favourites against a Pakistan team that has not won a series in this country in 30 years and will be without their own captain in Leeds, the injured Babar Azam. Pakistan have, however, played more Tests in July and August than England – a 1-1 draw against West Indies. In seamer Mohammad Abbas and spinner Sajid Khan, they have bowlers who have caused England trouble in the past. If the tourists can get enough runs, it will be a competitive series. After this, it gets very difficult for England. The winter includes trips to South Africa and Bangladesh, and a one-off pink-ball shootout against Australia. Speaking of the Aussies, they will surely be better than they showed in defeat by Bangladesh when they arrive for the Ashes next summer. After that, England go to India in early 2028. It all adds up to a devilishly difficult first 18 months of Root's second tenure. For all his runs, records, and milestones, perhaps rebuilding this England team in the face of the tasks ahead represents one of the greatest challenges of his storied career. On top of that, Root has acknowledged the work his team have to do to rebuild their reputation with the public after a string of off-field misdemeanours. "Be good role models and good human beings," he has said to his players. They should look no further than their captain for an example, for Root is one of the best.

When Joe Root left the field for the first time in his second stint as England's Test captain, he did so with Harry Brook's arm over his shoulder. Two Yorkshiremen. Two England batters. The only two candidates when England needed to replace Ben Stokes as skipper. Brook could have appeared scorned after being overlooked for his friend and team-mate. Root could have been keen to show he is the one with the power once again. Instead, the pair dovetailed throughout as England took the first steps in recovering from previous turmoils to dismiss Pakistan for 171 on day one of their new era at Headingley. It was an encouraging start. Root had already celebrated his return by winning the toss and watching Ollie Robinson take a wicket with the game's first ball, and the match was only five balls old when Brook's influence was first felt. As Pakistan number three Shan Masood poked, Brook, who has shown himself a canny tactician as white-ball captain, suggested a reinforced gully region. Root, who was criticised for his feel during his first spell in charge, was happy to agree, though a ruthless streak was soon shown when Jofra Archer was hooked from the attack after two wayward overs with the new ball. Positioned at mid-off rather than the slips, and with his two young children watching on, he expertly controlled the flow of the game. Root has made the move from the slips - where he has taken more than two thirds of his joint-record 218 Test catches - to make it easier for him to be in the ear of his bowlers. It also allowed him to ensure the ball was always returned to the bowler via their captain. Nothing could happen until the 35-year-old had let go of the ball. Captaining from mid-off was a tactic used by Root's predecessor Stokes and former skipper Michael Vaughan – another influential figure in Root's career, having come through the same Sheffield club. "I might not be as dynamic as Ben but we'll see if we can make it work," Root said on Tuesday. In Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue he has an exciting pace quartet but one still raw. Root appeared keen not to overbear. Overs from Ollie Robinson would go by without any meaningful conversation between captain and bowler. A word before the first ball, another after the sixth. Stokes was a hands-on skipper, always chatting and encouraging, but Root quietly observed. "One of the big challenges is not trying to be Ben Stokes," was another of Root's pre-match comments. He is right to do this his way, even if there are tweaks from what has come before. The result was Robinson being left to make his own calls. He is captain at Sussex, the next oldest member of this squad after Root at 32, and has the skill to execute his own plan. After pinning Azan Awais with his first ball, the seamer probed Masood's outside edge from round the wicket before switching the angle of his attack in his third over. An inswinger had Masood plumb lbw and Root celebrated with that child-like enthusiasm from his early England days with both arms high above his head. "He was good at just telling me he was moving the field and then to carry on bowling the same way," Robinson said. "Between the four bowlers, Joe and Harry we were discussing plans, discussing what was working. "Brooky is always great on the field. He is the go-between guy and, standing at slip, can see different things." Robinson, with his average pace of 78.4mph here and previous frustrations about his attitude and fitness, was discarded under Stokes and previous coach Brendon McCullum. He made his debut under Root in the first Test against New Zealand at Lord's in 2021 – a match which has been the stick used to beat his captaincy record after a cautious England turned down a chase of 273 – and was last man out in Hobart at the end of Root's second Ashes defeat as captain down under in 2021-22. Both losses came in the run of one win in 17 Tests at the end of Root's tenure. With an immaculate 5-51 here – accurate and relentless as Tongue and Atkinson took time to locate their rhythm and Archer never found it – Robinson proved just how crucial he will be to Root and this team's rebirth. Of course it was not all perfect. As Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique built a partnership of 91 in the afternoon the crowd became distracted. There was, as England struggled for a breakthrough for 23.2 overs, a fear the absence of Stokes the bowler rather than captain would become the story of the day. Root, again called to the crease to bat inside 10 overs before the day was out, does not have the all-rounder to break a game open this time around. He will have been grateful for Imam's loose drive to Tongue on 42 which opened the door. Throughout it all, Root was as restrained with his fields as he was with his words. Stokes resembled the kid given the keys to the sweetshop on his first morning as skipper, fielding five slips at one stage against New Zealand. At times it brought him great success. Though Root did at least allow Tongue three slips and two leg slips for his hat-trick ball after tea, he stuck with three for the most part here and barely ventured into the funky. Root joked on Tuesday his "natural persona" may be suited to bringing a sense of calm to one of English cricket's most chaotic summers. Greedier batters, flatter surfaces and poorer performances will provide tougher days, but here Root brought a welcome calmness on his return as skipper.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan says he "really fears" for Pakistan and felt "quite sad" watching their heavy defeat by England in the first Test at Headingley. Pakistan were thrashed by an innings and 103 runs in the series opener - batting for 85.4 overs across both innings combined. A side that has produced some of the sport's most fearsome bowlers were also meek with the ball and poor in the field. "They've been absolutely blown away," Vaughan told BBC Test Match Special. "They've been hammered. I've never seen them look so timid. "The tactical side wasn't there. The skill level and the class between the sides, Pakistan look a long way short. "I hope they can find something over the next couple of days. "They'll get criticised and rightly so, hopefully that will force them to find something." Pakistan have long been known for their turmoil off the field and their current struggles were perhaps best summed up in the post-match news conference. Stand-in skipper Salman Agha laughed he is "more than happy" to hand the captaincy back to Babar Azam for the second Test, which starts at Lord's on Thursday. A decade ago they were top of the Test rankings while iconic teams in the late 1980s and 1990s, featuring all-time greats such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, won three Test series in a row in England. Now they are bottom of the World Test Championship, have lost five of their past six Tests and 14 defeats from 19 Tests going back to December 2023. Former captain Ramiz Raja told TMS he "fears the worst". "The first pillar has fallen, and that's the fans, they are disenchanted, they aren't going to back this team and who would?" Raja said. "If you lose 17 Test matches in the last 20 you've played nobody's going to back this team." Vaughan added: "I look at this side and feel quite sad watching them this week. "I've seen many Pakistan sides play and this side just seem to be lacking all that spirit and fight we've come accustomed to seeing." 'What's the point in playing?' - where has it gone wrong? Babar, who missed this Test with a hand injury, is the only Pakistan batter in the top 25 of the International Cricket Council's Test batting rankings. Their bowling attack is without the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, who have impressed at times in Tests but have often been used in shorter formats or struggled for form and fitness. Four of their five victories since 2023 have come at home, where spinning pitches have often been prioritised in pursuit of wins. Industrial fans, heaters and windbreaks were used to prepare a pitch during the series win over England in 2024. "You try to produce a one-dimensional team that can only win on select surfaces," Raja said. "You've discouraged pace bowling and because so many players want to play T20 cricket because it's a route to success, they're just not bothered about playing Test-match cricket. "These are desperate times for Pakistan cricket to make a comeback through pace. "It's always been our thing, if you discourage the DNA that completes us, what's the point in then playing Test cricket?" 'We are rebuilding' - captain calls for calm Salman played down the worries around the future, instead suggesting this is a team undergoing a "rebuild". Their top seven have each played at least 24 Tests - Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique and Saud Shakeel have also all played for Yorkshire - but only Muhammad Abbas in their bowling attack had played a Test in England before. "We are a rebuild kind of team," Salman said. "It is not about worrying about the future. It is about making a future." He added: "We didn't execute our plans at Headingley, but that doesn't mean we can't do the same in the next matches. "We will sit down and think about the performance. And we will come back for sure." Babar is expected to be fit to return at Lord's while Ubaid Shah, the younger brother of Naseem who can bowl greater pace than Abbas, Mohammad Ali and Khurram Shazad, is a candidate to come in. Raja suggested there are further troubles below the Test team. "The batting is below par, even at the Under-19 level and the Under-17 level. "The bowling, yes, they've got two or three quicks [but] they aren't being exposed to this type of cricket. In the field they are still brittle."

Joe Root said "it would be nice to have a choice" over the venues where his England team play as they leave Headingley until 2029. England's crushing victory over Pakistan is their seventh consecutive win in Leeds, their longest current winning streak at any ground in the world. But they do not return for a Test at Headingley for three years, meaning they will not have the advantage of playing on this ground in next summer's home Ashes series. It was put to Root that Australia would be unlikely to give up the advantage of hosting England at their most successful venues when the urn is contested down under. Australia have not lost an Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane since 1986, or been beaten by England in Perth since 1978. "Obviously this is a slightly different system here and a different way that things are done," said Yorkshire batter Root. "I think I should probably stay in my lane and understand that it's someone else's job to sort out. As a player, you want to play at the grounds you have most success at as a team, clearly. "It's one that we generally do well at and I love playing here - as the Yorkshireman I have to say that from birth, so I'm glad it's the case." For Root, the innings victory sealed inside three days against Pakistan was the ideal start to his second spell as captain. It also extended England's run of wins at Headingley, which began in 2018. Their longest winning streak at another ground is six at Chester-le-Street. The decision for Headingley and Old Trafford to miss out on the 2027 Ashes roster was announced in 2023. But the match allocation has once again come into focus after the schedule for next year's series was confirmed in July. Nottingham's Trent Bridge will be the most northerly ground to host a men's Ashes Test, with Southampton given an England-Australia Test for the first time. Headingley will instead play host to a women's Ashes Test. Headingley staged a men's Ashes Test in 2019 and 2023, both matches England won. The 2019 win, inspired by Ben Stokes, was one of the most legendary contests in Ashes history, ranking alongside Ian Botham's heroics of 1981 on the same ground. Overall, England's record of nine home Ashes wins in Leeds is bettered only by their 17 at The Oval, and The Oval has hosted 36 Ashes Tests compared to Headingley's 26. "I would love to play as many games as possible here," said Root. "It's a great Test-match venue, a surface that provides brilliant Test cricket, and one we've had quite a lot of success on recently. "It's a shame we don't get to play here next year, but I'm sure we will see many, many more brilliant Test matches here." Headingley will next host a men's Ashes Test in 2031, from when the England and Wales Cricket has said it will keep at least one Test in Leeds or Manchester in the allocation for every home Ashes series. Southampton will get a Test in alternate men's home Ashes. Root looks set to lead England into next year's Ashes after returning to the captaincy. The 35-year-old resumed a job he gave up four years ago following the retirement of Ben Stokes. Root will form a new-look leadership team with Stephen Fleming, who has replaced Brendon McCullum as Test coach. However, Fleming is not yet in post, with Marcus Trescothick acting as interim coach for the Pakistan series. Fleming is due to arrive in the UK in September, possibly not before the Pakistan series is over, but Root revealed the pair had been in contact throughout the win at Headingley. "Every day. I think he's kept tabs on things," said Root. "It's just been great to have him on the end of the phone. "I can speak to him as much or as little as I like, and it's great that he's very invested already in what we're trying to achieve. There's been constant communication with me and Marcus as well." Former England opener Trescothick was an assistant to McCullum when the New Zealander was in charge of both the Test and white-ball teams. England are yet to confirm the make-up of their backroom team now Fleming and McCullum are sharing head coach responsibilities. And Trescothick said he would "love" to continue working with the Test team. "I've a huge amount of respect for Stephen and what he's done in the game," Trescothick told Test Match Special. "He was a fantastic captain and leader and has done a brilliant job doing what he's done as a coach. I'd love to carry on." 1 of 7

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the first test against England starting on Wednesday in Leeds because of a hand injury. Babar was struck on the middle finger of his right hand while batting against the West Indies this month and again in a warmup game last week in Beckenham. Twenty20 skipper Salman Agha will captain the first test for the first time. Ahmed says Babar's finger is not broken and he hopes the pain will reduce so he can play in the second test at Lord’s starting on Aug. 27. Joe Root expects to be a much better England captain than he was the first time from 2017-22. The benefit of experience and time make him believe he's ready. Pakistan's head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, left, and Babar Azam, right, attend a nets session in Leeds, England, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026 ahead of the in the first Men's Rothesay Test Match between England and Pakistan starting Wednesday. England's Joe Root and Jofra Archer attend a nets session at Headingley, Leeds, England, Monday Aug. 17, 2026, ahead of the 1st Test match against Pakistan on Wednesday. LEEDS, England (AP) — Pakistan captain Babar Azam was ruled out of thefirst test against Englandstarting on Wednesday because of a hand injury. Babar was struck on the middle finger of his right hand while batting against the West Indies this month, and hit again in a warmup game last week in Beckenham. “Pakistan captain Babar Azam is unavailable for the first test match,” Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Tuesday. "Salman Agha will be the captain for the first test." Ahmed said the finger was not broken and he hoped the pain will reduce so Babar could play in the second test at Lord's starting on Aug. 27. But his absence was a blow to Pakistan. Babar had just been reappointed captain and led the scoring in the West Indies. Agha will captain the test team for the first time. He's the skipper of the Twenty20 side. Shan Masood, whom Babar replaced as captain, was recovered from his own broken finger during the first test in the West Indies. He missed the second test and warmup game but he'll return to the top order at Headingley. “Our practice match gave us a lot of confidence,” Ahmed said. “Whatever bases we needed to cover with bat and ball, we did. We believe we'll do very well here.” Pakistan is touring England for the first time since 2020 and the host appears vulnerable after losing the home series against New Zealand in June. Captain Ben Stokes retired and coach Brendon McCullum was fired and replaced by fellow New Zealander Stephen Fleming. However, Fleming will miss the Pakistan series and Marcus Trescothick will be in interim charge. Joe Root expects to be a much better England captain than he was the first time from 2017-22. He's led England in a record 65 tests and earned 27 wins, 27 losses. He noted the circumstances were different from his first stint, and he was not the same player and person. He felt “very fortunate and in a unique position” to accept the captaincy again following the retirement of Stokes. He said he'd learned a lot from playing under Stokes and McCullum. "I feel as ready as any other England captain that's ever been before,” Root said. “To have that amount of experience is invaluable." He confirmed Harry Brook, who Stokes endorsed for the captaincy, was continuing as vice-captain. “I fully feel he's got my back like the rest of the guys do,” Root said. See AP’s full cricket coverage here Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. To view our latest eEdition, click the image on the left.

Babar Azam Pakistan captain Babar Azam was ruled out of the first test against England starting on Wednesday because of a hand injury. Babar was struck on the middle finger of his right hand while batting against the West Indies this month, and hit again in a warmup game last week in Beckenham. "Pakistan captain Babar Azam is unavailable for the first test match," Pakistan coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Tuesday. "Salman Agha will be the captain for the first test."Ahmed said the finger was not broken and he hoped the pain will reduce so Babar could play in the second test at Lord's starting on Aug. 27. But his absence was a blow to Pakistan. Babar had just been reappointed captain and led the scoring in the West Indies. Agha will captain the test team for the first time. He's the skipper of the Twenty20 side. Shan Masood, whom Babar replaced as captain, was recovered from his own broken finger during the first test in the West Indies. He missed the second test and warmup game but he'll return to the top order at Headingley. "Our practice match gave us a lot of confidence," Ahmed said. "Whatever bases we needed to cover with bat and ball, we did. We believe we'll do very well here."Pakistan is touring England for the first time since 2020 and the host appears vulnerable after losing the home series against New Zealand in June. Captain Ben Stokes retired and coach Brendon McCullum was fired and replaced by fellow New Zealander Stephen Fleming. However, Fleming will miss the Pakistan series and Marcus Trescothick will be in interim charge. Joe Root expects to be a much better England captain than he was the first time from 2017-22. He's led England in a record 65 tests and earned 27 wins, 27 losses. He noted the circumstances were different from his first stint, and he was not the same player and person. He felt "very fortunate and in a unique position" to accept the captaincy again following the retirement of Stokes. He said he'd learned a lot from playing under Stokes and McCullum. "I feel as ready as any other England captain that's ever been before," Root said. "To have that amount of experience is invaluable."He confirmed Harry Brook, who Stokes endorsed for the captaincy, was continuing as vice-captain. "I fully feel he's got my back like the rest of the guys do," Root said. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Don't miss the most important news and views of the day. Get them on ourTelegram channel First Published:Aug 19 2026 | 9:26 AMIST

England's Test summer enters a new phase when they face Pakistan at Headingley, with the first Test marking the beginning of life after Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Stokes' retirement brings an end to an era that transformed England's approach to Test cricket, while McCullum's departure means a new coaching regime is also waiting in the wings. Joe Root, meanwhile, begins his second stint as full-time captain, three years after stepping down from the role, with Marcus Trescothick taking interim charge until Stephen Fleming assumes the head coach's role later this year. For all the talk of transition, England desperately need a series win. Their last success in a multi-Test series came against New Zealand in November-December 2024, and their record since has been underwhelming. They drew 2-2 at home against India last summer, endured a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and then lost 2-1 to New Zealand at home earlier this year, a series that ultimately brought Stokes' Test career to a close. Pakistan, meanwhile, arrive with a change of their own at the top. Babar Azam is back as Test captain after Shan Masood's tenure ended with 12 defeats in 16 Tests. Masood's side suffered a series of heavy setbacks, including whitewashes in Australia and South Africa and another against Bangladesh, before Pakistan finally halted an eight-match winless run in away Tests by beating West Indies in the second Test of their recent series. But Babar won't be available for the first Test, having sustained an injury to his right hand during the three-day warm-up match against Professional County Club Select XI. Having retired hurt after scoring 5 in the first innings, he did not take part in the remainder of the game as a "precautionary measure". However, he hasn't recovered in time for the second game, with coach Sarfaraz Ahmed confirming that Salman Agha will lead the team at Leeds. For England, Headingley presents an opportunity to make the post-Stokes era begin with a statement. Root's return to the captaincy will be watched closely, but his biggest responsibility will be to ensure England's batting has enough substance around Harry Brook, Ben Duckett and himself. Pakistan, with a new captain, several new faces and their own questions over personnel, will look to exploit any uncertainty. It's a Test where both sides are attempting to move beyond difficult recent chapters, evidenced by their WTC standings with England at seventh and Pakistan eighth. When: 1st Test, August 19-23, 11:00 AM Local (3:30 PM IST) Where: Leeds, Headingley What to expect: Leeds last hosted the England-India Test match in June 2025, with England chasing down a target of 371 in a high-scoring game. In this season's County Championship, there has been one high-scoring draw - Yorkshire vs Sussex - while Yorkshire fell well short in a chase of 426 against Hampshire, and later won by an innings against Surrey after posting a first innings total of 486. Rain is forecast for the first couple of days, with Day 2 likely to see more interruptions. Team news: England: Jacob Bethell's knee injury, sustained during the ODI series against India last month, rules him out of the Pakistan series and opens the door for Jordan Cox to move up to No. 3. Dan Lawrence returns to the side for the first time in two years after a prolific County season with Surrey and is expected to bat at No. 6, pushing Jamie Smith down one place. Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse are also back after being left out following the Ashes, while Sam Cook earns another opportunity after making his Test debut against Zimbabwe last year. Emilio Gay had suffered a shoulder injury during the One Day Cup but he featured in the warm-up game against Pakistan, although he bagged a pair. Probable XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Ollie Robinson / Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue Pakistan: Masood's availability remains in doubt for the Leeds Test as he recovers from an injured index finger on his left hand, sustained during the first Test against West Indies. His replacement for the second Test - Abdullah Shafique - gave a good account of himself with an unbeaten 160 in the first innings while Mohammad Abbas should return for the Headingley game, having missed out from a spin-heavy Pakistan XI in Port of Spain. Probable XI: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha (c), Saud Shakeel, Awais Zafar, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali Did you know? - Of the 28 Tests played in England since 2022, only two have ended in draws (both at Old Trafford - Ashes 2023 and India tour 2025 - England scored at 4.4 runs per over in 44 Tests under Ben Stokes, the highest for any team under a captain to have led in at least 10 matches - Pakistan's three Test series wins in England came on three consecutive tours - in 1987, 1992 and 1996 respectively. In six series in the country since (all since 2001), England have won three while three ended in draws What they said: "I don't think there's a huge amount we need to change. It's small things that will make a big difference. It's not about ripping it up, I think it's about keeping a lot of the good stuff we've been doing for a period of time, stuff that Ben and Baz built for a long while. I don't believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. You've got to be adaptable and play the situation. It's never the same throughout five days, there's different challenges and you've got to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout" - Joe Root, England Test captain, on whether the team will stick to the Bazball approach.

ByLAWRENCE BOOTH, CRICKET CORRESPONDENT17:09 21 Aug 2026, updated 22:45 21 Aug 2026 Comments Comments The dressing-roomkettlehad not yet been switched on for tea on the third day of this first Test when England were celebrating a crushing victory and a pristine start to the second coming ofJoe Root. Their bowling heroes, once more, were Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue, who backed up their five-fors on Wednesday with three more wickets each as Pakistan were dismissed for 135, to go with their first-innings 171. In all, they survived 85.4 overs, the equivalent of a less than a full day’s play. They were as dismal as England were destructive. Robinson finished the match with eight for 80, and Tongue – who collected his three wickets in six balls after lunch – with eight for 89, both career-bests. IfJofra Archerhad started the rout by removing both openers, and finished it by persuading Mohammad Abbas to sky a slash to Dan Lawrence at backward point, it was these two, in their differing styles, who condemned the tourists to defeat by an innings and 103 runs. For the first time in the game, the Leeds weather behaved itself – but while it never rained, for Pakistan it continued to pour. Robinson was all loping accuracy and both-ways menace, Tongue 10mph quicker and a nightmare to line up thanks to an action that goes beyond the perpendicular and obliges batsmen, especially right-handers, to play at balls better left alone. When Archer and Gus Atkinson are back to their best, England will have a seam attack to conjure with, and there was an understandable spring in Root’s step as he encouraged Robinson and Tongue to lead the team off the field with a gentle shove in the back. Robinson, by a sliver, won the match award, though no one would have complained if they had done to the medal what they did to the ball two days earlier and sawn it in half. That followed meaningful runs for Jordan Cox and Lawrence, reinventing themselves at No 3 and No 6 as England reached an above-par 409, and an almost flawless display in the field. And if there was any regret for Root as he discussed his first Test win as captain since seeing off India here five years ago, it was surely that Headingley is now off the rota until 2029. This is not merely Root’s home ground, but England’s new spiritual home: a seventh win in succession was a national record. The Australians, who have lost their last two Tests here, must still be chortling at the thought they won’t have to visit the place next summer as they go in search of a first series win in England since 2001. It is an act of self-harm the ECB may yet come to regret. ‘I’d love to play as many games here as possible,’ said Root, before diplomatically suggesting he should ‘stay in his lane’. For now, though, there was simply relief at a job impeccably done, from the moment Robinson trapped Azan Awais with the game’s first ball. On a pitch which rewarded accurate bowling as much as it did judicious strokeplay, England were superior in all departments. Pakistan’s awfulness made it difficult to draw wider conclusions. One suggestion that this is the worst team they have sent to these shores in 50 years has gone down badly in Lahore and Karachi, yet it’s hard to think of a rival for the tag. Where once they would rise above their unfathomable internal politics by producing classy, stylish batsmen, reverse-swinging fast bowlers and world-class leg-spinners, they are now deficient in all three categories. Only Abdullah Shafique, in the first innings, passed 50, while their military-medium seamers spurned helpful conditions on the second day. Mohammad Ali looks as hittable now as he did when he cost 5.5 an over on debut against England at Rawalpindi in December 2022. The fielding was a car crash. It was desperate stuff. They have now lost 19 of their last 30 Tests, and need to avoid defeat next week at Lord’s to avoid tipping over into negative historical territory: after this game, they have lost as many Tests (153) as they have won. Pakistan had begun their second innings 238 behind, but for the second time in the game lost a wicket before scoring a run, Imam-ul-Haq unable to sway out of the way of a brute from Archer which brushed the glove en route to Jamie Smith. Archer then had Awais caught at leg slip for nine, a feather in Root’s tactical cap, though not the last: when Saud Shakeel worked Tongue uppishly behind square on the leg side, Root had positioned Lawrence there especially for the stroke. Stephen Fleming, England’s incoming coach and a lover of unusual fields during his 80 Tests in charge of New Zealand, must have enjoyed that. In between, Robinson removed Shafique, the man likeliest to detain England, with a ball that squared him up and took the edge, and later benefited from two sharp catches at third slip by Cox. Tongue had Shan Masood caught at first slip, then pinned Salman Agha leg-before. Later, asked whether Babar Azam might return from his hand injury in time for Thursday’s second Test, Agha replied with a smile: ‘I’m more than happy to hand the captaincy on to Babar Azam.’ For the first time in a while, the gallows humour was provided not by England, but by their opponents. Progress comes in all shapes and sizes. Comments Comments

✕ Home News Analysis Agro-Forestry Art & Culture Technology Economy & Business Education Energy & Extractives Politics Law & Governance Health Science & Environment Social & Gender Sports Transport Urban Development WASH Research LogIn/SignUp Close the sidebar Root's Rumble: Headingley's Ashes Omission Sparks Disappointment England captain Joe Root is frustrated that Headingley won't host an Ashes test next year post an England victory over Pakistan there. England has had strong results at Headingley, making its omission surprising. Despite the success, Pakistan continues to struggle with a ninth loss in ten away games. Sports Devdiscourse News Desk Updated: 21-08-2026 21:53 IST | Created: 21-08-2026 21:53 IST !Root's Rumble: Headingley's Ashes Omission Sparks Disappointment In the wake of England's resounding victory over Pakistan, captain Joe Root has voiced his frustration over Headingley being bypassed as a venue for next year's Ashes tests. England's stellar record at the historic ground makes the decision even more perplexing. Root, a proud Yorkshireman, emphasized Headingley's significance as a test match venue, citing both its excellent play surface and England's recent successes there. He expressed disappointment that the ground won't host another men's test until 2029. Meanwhile, Pakistan's away series woes continue with their ninth defeat in ten matches. Stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledges the struggle but remains hopeful for a turnaround in their upcoming matches. (With inputs from agencies.) READ MORE ON Yorkshire Joe Root disappointment Pakistan cricket Joe Root England cricket cricket venue Headingley Ashes test ECB Ashes series READ MORE {{title}} Next Article {{title}} {{subtitle}} {{subtitle}} {{/subtitle}}{{sector}} {{sector}} {{/sector}} {{source}}{{source}} {{/source}}{{isBlog}} {{/isBlog}}{{sourceUrl}} |{{sourceUrl}} {{/sourceUrl}}{{country}} |{{country}} {{/country}} Updated:{{modifiedOnString}}IST | Created:{{publishedOnString}}IST {{imageCopyright}} {{{description}}}{{disclaimer}} {{disclaimer}} {{/disclaimer}} {{tags}} READ MORE ON {{{tagArray}}} {{/tags}} PERSPECTIVES AND INSIGHTS {{authorImage}} {{author}} {{title}} LATEST NEWS {{country}} {{country}} {{/country}}{{^country}} Global {{/country}} {{title}} VIDEOS {{^defaultImage}} ► {{/defaultImage}} {{title}} View All HOME ABOUT CAREER ADVERTISEMENT PARTNERS CONTACT US Sectors Agro-Forestry Art & Culture Technology Economy & Business Education Energy & Extractives Politics Law & Governance Health Science & Environment Social & Gender Sports Transport Urban Development WASH Editions Pacific South Asia East and South East Asia Europe and Central Asia Central Africa East Africa Southern Africa West Africa Middle East and North Africa North America Latin America and Caribbean Disclaimer Terms of use Privacy Policy © Copyright 2026

Joe Root Voices Disappointment Over Headingley Ashes Test Exclusion for 2024 By Neil Squires England Captain Reacts to Headingley Omission from 2024 Ashes LEEDS, England, Aug 21 (Reuters) - England captain Joe Root expressed his disappointment on Friday that Headingley will not stage an Ashes test next year after leading his country to a crushing victory over Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at his home ground. Recent Success at Headingley England have won their last seven tests in Leeds, including wins over Australia on their last two visits, and Root feels the ECB have missed a trick in choosing to overlook the ground. Upcoming Ashes Test Venues Lord’s, The Oval, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge and Southampton will stage Ashes tests next summer with England not down to play another men’s test at Headingley until 2029. Joe Root’s Perspective Attachment to Headingley “I’d love to play as many games as possible here. I think it’s a great test match venue,” said Root. “It’s a surface that provides brilliant test cricket and one that we’ve had quite a lot of success at recently, 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. Yorkshireman’s Sentiment “As a player it would be nice to have a choice. It’s a ground that we generally do well at and we love playing here. As a Yorkshireman I sort of have to say that from birth.” Victory Over Pakistan Root was delighted with the manner of the victory over Pakistan in his first game since assuming the permanent captaincy role again. “It couldn’t have really gone better for us,” he said. “I’m just really pleased with our performance and the way we dealt with things out there.” Pakistan’s Struggles Pakistan’s defeat was their ninth in their last 10 away matches. Salman Ali Agha’s Response “We’re not playing well for sure when it comes to away series. We haven’t done well anywhere in the world and this is concerning,” said Pakistan stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha. “One thing I can say is we are trying and hopefully in the second game we can change that. We'll come back stronger." (Reporting by Neil Squires; Editing by Ken Ferris)

KEY TAKEAWAYS: - Joe Root leads England against Pakistan for the first time since 2022 in the post-Ben Stokes era. - Jordan Cox is set to bat at number three with Jacob Bethell ruled out injured. - Babar Azam remains doubtful for the match after a hand injury scare in the warm-up game. ENG vs PAK 1st Test playing XI: England begin new era at Headingley England begin their three-match Test series against Pakistan on August 19 at Headingley, with valuable World Test Championship 2025-27 points on offer as Joe Root takes charge for the first time since relinquishing the captaincy in 2022. It marks the start of the post-Ben Stokes era for the hosts. England head into the series under considerable pressure, having lost seven of their past nine Tests and gone without a series win since December 2024. They sit seventh in the World Test Championship standings, one place above Pakistan. Marcus Trescothick takes interim charge of the side, with newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming not due to take over until the winter tour of South Africa. Root has already made his mark off the field, abolishing England's midnight curfew in his first act as captain. Pakistan arrive in far better spirits after a comfortable seven-wicket win over a Professional County Club Select XI at Beckenham, where Saud Shakeel struck an unbeaten hundred and Imam-ul-Haq made 80. Babar Azam leads the tourists in his second stint as Test captain. Why Jordan Cox is set to bat at three for England The most notable selection call in the England camp surrounds the number three position, where Jordan Cox has been handed the responsibility. The opportunity arrives after Jacob Bethell was ruled out of the entire series with a right knee injury sustained during the ODI series against India. It represents a significant promotion for Cox, who only made his Test debut against New Zealand at the Kia Oval in June, batting down at number seven. National selector Marcus North described him as one of the most exciting talents in English cricket. Dan Lawrence also returns to the Test side for the first time in two years after an exceptional County Championship season with Surrey, and is carded to bat at number six with Jamie Smith slotting in at seven. Emilio Gay retains his opening spot alongside Ben Duckett despite making a pair in the warm-up fixture, with his shoulder concerns having eased. England's bowling combination remains the biggest question. Shoaib Bashir pushed his case with figures of 4 for 76 for the County Select XI, though the hosts could opt for four frontline seamers and rely on Lawrence and Root for spin. England's predicted XI vs Pakistan for 1st Test at Headingley Root is expected to bat at four in an order reshaped by Stokes' retirement, with Harry Brook at five and Lawrence handed the all-round responsibilities at six. Ollie Pope, recalled to the 16-man squad, looks likely to miss out with Cox preferred at first drop. The pace attack picks itself on paper, with Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse offering genuine speed at a ground where the ball has historically moved. Carse returns after missing the 2-1 defeat to New Zealand with a right hand injury, while Bashir's warm-up haul should be enough to earn him the lone spinner's berth. - Ben Duckett - Emilio Gay - Jordan Cox - Joe Root (C) - Harry Brook - Dan Lawrence - Jamie Smith (WK) - Gus Atkinson - Brydon Carse - Jofra Archer - Shoaib Bashir Pakistan's predicted XI vs England for 1st Test at Headingley Babar Azam is expected to lead the side after his hand injury scare proved minor. The captain retired hurt on five after being struck by Hampshire quick Manny Lumsden but was cleared to train at Headingley, with the PCB describing his withdrawal as precautionary. Mohammad Abbas, with more than 300 County Championship wickets to his name across spells at Leicestershire, Hampshire, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, offers Pakistan control and seam movement ideally suited to English conditions. Sajid Khan remains their leading spin option. - Imam-ul-Haq - Abdullah Shafique - Shan Masood - Babar Azam* (C) - Saud Shakeel - Mohammad Rizwan (WK) - Salman Ali Agha - Aamir Jamal - Sajid Khan - Mohammad Abbas - Mohammad Ali *Doubtful Why Pakistan's new-ball quality makes this closer than England would like England may be at home, but the numbers make uncomfortable reading for Root's side. A team that has lost seven of its last nine Tests, is missing Bethell, and is handing a first-drop role to a player with one Test cap can hardly be considered overwhelming favourites, whatever the venue. Pakistan, by contrast, arrive with genuine reasons for optimism. Abbas and Mohammad Ali shared six wickets in the warm-up, Shakeel and Imam found form with the bat, and Babar returns to the captaincy having just led Pakistan to their first away Test win in eight matches in the Caribbean. If Headingley offers overhead conditions to assist seam movement, Pakistan's disciplined new-ball attack could make this a far tighter contest than England's home advantage suggests. For all the latest cricket news, opinion, and commentary and to share your voice, head to our Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) pages.

LEEDS, England (AP) — England wrapped up an innings win over Pakistan inside three days in the first test on Friday, delivering a strong start to the post-Bazball era under returning captain Joe Root. Dismissed for 409 around 40 minutes into day three, England took a 238-run advantage into the second innings and skittled Pakistan for 135 in 37.3 overs before tea. England won by an innings and 103 runs and has a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second test starts on Thursday at Lord’s. England’s battery of four seamers pestered consistently at a fuller length that’s required at Headingley and Pakistan couldn’t endure it. Jofra Archer removed the openers with the new ball, Ollie Robinson got three more wickets, Josh Tongue was introduced after lunch and took three wickets averaging 143 kph (89 mph), and Gus Atkinson bowled superbly for the late reward of Pakistan top scorer Mohammad Rizwan. Robinson and Tongue each took eight wickets in the match. They took five each in the first innings and literally split the match ball in half. Robinson was named the player of the match for his 8-80 compared to Tongue’s 8-89. Robinson is heading back to Lord’s, where he took 7-77 against New Zealand in June. England is in a new era following the retirement of captain Ben Stokes and the firing of Brendon McCullum as test coach after the 2-1 series loss to New Zealand in June. Pakistan arrived with a semblance of confidence after drawing the series in the West Indies this month and playing a warmup match last week. But Pakistan looked rusty and the bowling and fielding was less than ordinary. The question, after finishing England’s first innings in the morning, was whether the visitor could force play into a fourth day. England, 366-8 overnight, added 43 runs. Archer pulled the only six of the match. Khurram Shahzad took both wickets and showed the pitch was still offering plenty for the bowlers. Pakistan started 0-1 for the second time in the match. Imam-ul-Haq bent backwards to an Archer bouncer and the ball brushed a glove. Azan Awais, who fell to the first ball of the series, then nicked to Root at leg slip and Archer had dismissed both openers. The pressure was on veterans Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique to endure, but Robinson broke their partnership in the 14th over. Robinson busted through Shafique’s determined defense with a nick to second slip. Pakistan went to lunch at 59-3 with Masood set at the ground where he spent two seasons playing for Yorkshire. But straight after the interval Tongue was given the ball and Root’s field placement paid off. Dan Lawrence had just been sent to backward square when Saud Shakeel whipped Tongue straight to him. Masood then tried pushing at Tongue and edged to England’s new first slip, Ben Duckett. Tongue had two wickets in two balls as he did in the first innings and couldn’t nail the hat trick. But Tongue soon had 3-7 in 11 balls when he pinned stand-in skipper Salman Agha on 8 and a sinking Pakistan was 76-6. Rizwan, Pakistan’s last recognized batter at No. 7, top-scored with 41 but, for someone playing his 46th test, surprisingly failed to shepherd the tail. Rizwan was the ninth man out. ___ See AP’s full cricket coverage here

As England enter a new era following the departures of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, Harry Brook has put his weight behind reinstating Joe Root as the skipper of the red-ball side. England gear up to face Pakistan for a three-match Test series, starting from August 19 as Root takes the charge back. Brook, who was the incumbent vice-captain when Stokes retired in June, spoke about appointing Root the captain again and also whether his infamous nightclub incident in Wellington cost him the captaincy of the red-ball side. "I dunno," he told BBC Sport. "I honestly don't know. I don't really look at it like that. The decision to make Rooty captain is the right one. I'm actually really excited to see what he can do. He's definitely the right man to take over that job. I'm really looking forward to working alongside him." Brook is the white-ball captain of the English side and has scored the most runs in international cricket in the world since he made his Test debut on September 8, 2026. This saw his epic run of form on tours to Pakistan and New Zealand, where he averages a whopping 84.10 and 75.44 in Tests. However, he had a torrid time when he was involved in a nightclub altercation with a bouncer in October 2025. "It was a tough period, especially when I was at home, getting ready to face the media," he said. "I feel like the character that I showed throughout that period to go out there and still perform and lead the white-ball side fairly well, I was proud of myself and the team. I don't want to say it's helped me, but it's made me realise how big it is to be England captain. It's not just the leadership on the field. It makes a massive difference if you can lead with responsibility off the field." Brook was fined and sent a warning from the ECB but kept his white-ball captaincy job despite the incident. He went on to lead the team in the T20 World Cup 2026, where he took his side into the semifinals and had nearly beaten the eventual champions India at Wankhede. However, Brook did not had a great Ashes in Australia, a series which the Three Lions lost 4-1. He made a below-par 358 runs in 10 innings at an average of 39.78. He courted criticism for some of the shot selections, which left the English fans frustrated to every bit. "If supporters get frustrated, imagine how frustrated I get," he added. "It's something I've been really trying to work on, trying to assess conditions quicker and read the surface better. To go out there knowing what shots are going to be hard and what is going to be easier. I practise every single shot and have done since the age of eight. In the nets, I'd do a 360 challenge with my dad. He'd throw balls, and I'd have to try to hit it to a certain place: that corner, then that corner. I have the ability to hit it everywhere; I just have to figure it out quicker in games." Meanwhile, he is aware that he might get the Test captaincy and currently gives his '1000%' backing to Root in the role. "There are little things you learn throughout your career. Obviously, the past few months have been on quite a large scale. "Having that responsibility now has made a massive difference for me. There is the potential I could be captain, but at this moment in time all I'm focusing on is trying to win a few games of cricket. I will be 1,000% behind Rooty, and I'm really looking forward to what this Test side can do," he said. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Advertisement

1st Test: England begin post-Bazball era against Pakistan at Headingley What's the story England's Test cricket enters a new chapter as they prepare to face Pakistan in the first Test of the three-match series, starting on August 19. The match will be played at Headingley in Leeds, marking the dawn of a new era after Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's departure. Joe Root will lead the team as captain for the second time, three years after stepping down from the role. Meanwhile, Pakistan will be without their regular skipper Babar Azam, who is out injured. Details A look at the pitch report The tracks at Headingley produced some high-scoring affairs in the recent The Hundred season. For Tests, however, fast bowlers can enjoy great assistance in the initial half of the game. As the first two days will be mostly cloudy, batters can have a hard time tackling the moving red cherry. However, the track gets better for batting with time as England have successfully chased down fourth-innings targets of 294, 251 and 371 in their last three visits here. Performance review England eye multi-Test series win after over 18 months Despite all the talk of transition, England are desperate for a series win. Their last multi-Test series victory came against New Zealand in late 2024. Since then, they have drawn at home against India (2-2) last summer, lost the Ashes 4-1 in Australia, and suffered a 2-1 defeat to New Zealand at home earlier this year. Stokes retired from international cricket after the New Zealand series, while McCullum was sacked as Test head coach. Leadership shift Pakistan also undergoes leadership change Pakistan also witnessed a leadership change with Babar Azam returning as Test captain after Shan Masood's unsuccessful stint. Under the former's leadership, Pakistan ended an eight-match winless run in away Tests by defeating West Indies in the second Test of their recent series. However, the visitors will field an inexperienced bowling attack in the upcoming series. Squad updates Babar to miss 1st Test; Cox to bat at No.3 Babar will miss the first Test due to a right hand injury sustained during a three-day warm-up match. England's Jacob Bethell is also out of the Pakistan series due to a knee injury suffered in last month's ODI series against India. This opens up an opportunity for Jordan Cox to move up to No. 3 in the batting order. Team strategies Lawrence returns after 2 years; Abbas expected back Dan Lawrence returns to the side after a two-year absence, likely batting at No. 6. Ollie Pope and Brydon Carse also return after being dropped post the Ashes. For Pakistan, Masood's availability for the Leeds Test remains uncertain as he recovers from an injured index finger on his left hand. His replacement for the second Test - Abdullah Shafique - scored an unbeaten 160 in the first innings while Mohammad Abbas is expected to return for the Headingley game. H2H Who leads the head-to-head record? England have played a total of 92 Tests against Pakistan, winning 30 and losing 23, as per Cricinfo. When it comes to England's encounters with Pakistan at home, the hosts have won 24 while losing just 12. Pakistan have won three of their 16 bilateral Test series against the Brits in England, with their last triumph dating back to 1996. XIs Here are the probable XIs England probable XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue/Ollie Robinson. Pakistan probable XI: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Salman Agha (c), Saud Shakeel, Awais Zafar, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali. Performers Here are the key performers With 11 wickets at 22.82, Jofra Archer was England's Player of the Series in their last Test assignment, against New Zealand. Gus Atkinson has been sensational in home Tests, claiming 55 wickets at an average of 19.80. With 1,108 runs at 48.17, Root has been a run machine in the ongoing 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle. Khurram Shahzad has claimed 12 wickets across four Test innings this year at 23.91. Abdullah Shafique slammed a match-winning 160* against West Indies earlier this month. Poll

'I do not believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. You have got to be adaptable and play the situation.' 'It is never the same throughout five days, there is different challenges and you have got to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout.' Key Points - Joe Root affirms that England will not abandon 'Bazball' but will adapt and evolve it, focusing on situational play. - Root feels more prepared for captaincy, having gained experience playing under different leaders and coaches. - England is set to begin a new era with a Test match against Pakistan at Headingley beginning on Wednesday. England Skipper Joe Root said the team would not be 'ripping up' then captain-coach duo Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum's 'Bazball' brand of cricket as they start a new era against Pakistan with the first Test at Headingley on Wednesday, adding that there is no one way of playing the longer format of the game. England will start a new era with Root back at the helm after four years of Stokes-McCullum in charge of things. Following the home series loss to New Zealand, Stokes announced retirement from international cricket while McCullum also departed from his post, making way for New Zealander Stephen Fleming, who had just ended his stint with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Evolving the 'Bazball' Approach Root, who captained England on 65 occasions and ended his first permanent spell from 2017 to 2022 with just one win in 17 Tests before Stokes-McCullum took over and championed their ultra-aggressive, no holds barred, positive, result-oriented 'Bazball' brand of cricket. The style produced mixed performances. While England did manage to pull off some stunning victories and individual performances, they could not win a series against two of their biggest rivals, Australia and India, at home and away from home. They also lost their first home series since 2012 against Kiwis just after Stokes and McCullum had retained their jobs in the post-Ashes review conducted by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Speaking ahead of the match, Root told reporters: 'I do not think there is a huge amount we need to change. It is small things that will make a big difference.' 'It is not about ripping it up, I think it is about keeping a lot of the good stuff we have been doing for a period of time, stuff that Ben and Baz built for a long while.' 'I do not believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. You have got to be adaptable and play the situation. It is never the same throughout five days, there is different challenges and you have got to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout.' Root's Return to Captaincy Speaking about his return to captaincy, Root feels in a completely different environment and head space, adding that there are things that he might go about differently after playing under a different captain and coach. 'The landscape is different,' he said. 'I am a different player and person than I was when I first took over as captain,' he added. 'I am in a very fortunate, unique position where I have got 60-odd games of experience to look back on. There are things I might want to change and do slightly differently. I had time to step away, play in a different environment, under a different coach, different captain, and see the game from a different lens. 'In many ways I feel as ready as any other England captain that's been before; to have that amount of experience is invaluable.' Headingley Homecoming and Tendulkar's Record Root expressed his excitement to play at his home ground, Headingley, as he continues his pursuit for Indian icon Sachin Tendulkar's all-time run tally of 15,921 runs. Root currently has 14,114 runs in 166 Tests with 41 tons. He enjoys a fine run at Leeds, with 763 runs in 11 Tests and 19 innings at an average of 44.88, with two centuries and five fifties. Squads for the Test Series England: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jordan Cox, Joe Root (captain), Harry Brook, Dan Lawrence, Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir, Ollie Pope, Josh Tongue, Sam Cook, Ollie Robinson, Matthew Fisher Pakistan: Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Salman Agha (captain), Mohammad Rizwan(wicket-keeper), Aamer Jamal, Sajid Khan, Ubaid Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Ghazi Ghori, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Fazal, Awais Zafar, Ali Usman.

LEEDS, England, Aug 21 (Reuters) - England captain Joe Root expressed his disappointment on Friday that Headingley will not stage an Ashes test next year after leading his country to a crushing victory over Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at his home ground. England have won their last seven tests in Leeds, including wins over Australia on their last two visits, and Root feels the ECB have missed a trick in choosing to overlook the ground. Sign up here. Lord’s, The Oval, Edgbaston, Trent Bridge and Southampton will stage Ashes tests next summer with England not down to play another men’s test at Headingley until 2029. “I’d love to play as many games as possible here. I think it’s a great test match venue,” said Root. “It’s a surface that provides brilliant test cricket and one that we’ve had quite a lot of success at recently, 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. “As a player it would be nice to have a choice. It’s a ground that we generally do well at and we love playing here. As a Yorkshireman I sort of have to say that from birth.” Root was delighted with the manner of the victory over Pakistan in his first game since assuming the permanent captaincy role again. “It couldn’t have really gone better for us,” he said. “I’m just really pleased with our performance and the way we dealt with things out there.” Pakistan’s defeat was their ninth in their last 10 away matches. “We’re not playing well for sure when it comes to away series. We haven’t done well anywhere in the world and this is concerning,” said Pakistan stand-in captain Salman Ali Agha. “One thing I can say is we are trying and hopefully in the second game we can change that. We'll come back stronger." Reporting by Neil Squires; Editing by Ken Ferris Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

England thrash Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in first Test Leeds (United Kingdom) (AFP) – England launched their post-Bazball era with an innings and 103-run thrashing of Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley on Friday. Issued on: Seamers Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer and Josh Tongue took three wickets each as Pakistan, who had been 51-2 in their second innings, lost four wickets for 25 runs on the way to being dismissed for just 135 before tea on the third day. Robinson and Tongue took all 10 wickets between them in Pakistan's meagre first-innings 171. The recalled Robinson, who captains Archer at county side Sussex, had match figures of 8-80, while Tongue finished with 8-89 in what was just England's third victory in their last 11 Tests. England are now 1-0 up in a three-match series, with the second Test at Lord's starting Thursday. Brief scores: Pakistan 1st Innings 171 (A Shafique 61; J Tongue 5-46, O Robinson 5-51) England 1st Innings 409 (H Brook 91, J Cox 73, J Root 66, D Lawrence 51; Ali Usman 5-95, Khurram Shahzad 3-133) Pakistan 2nd Innings 135 (O Robinson 3-29, J Tongue 3-43, J Archer 3-50) Result: England won by an innings and 103 runs Series: England lead three-match series 1-0 © 2026 AFP

Joe Root's second tenure as England Test cricket captain begins against Pakistan with no Ben Stokes and victories vital England start post-Ben Stokes era with three-Test series against Pakistan, live on Sky Sports from Wednesday (11am first ball); Joe Root back in charge and plans to mix best of Bazball with a bit more nuance; hosts will miss talismanic Stokes, who is replaced in the XI by Dan Lawrence Tuesday 18 August 2026 11:30, UK Who's ready for another reset? England had one of those after their dismal Ashes winter and it started well enough with a Lord's victory over New Zealand, albeit in a two-day rollercoaster ride on a dreadful pitch that meant it was hard to gauge whether any genuine progress had been made. But that reset soon came crashing down amid familiar old failings of drink-related off-field incidents and witless shots on it. A depleted England side were annihilated at The Oval before a drubbing at Trent Bridge consigned them to a rare home Test series loss. - Stream England vs Pakistan without a contract - Joe Root removes England's midnight curfew - Listen to the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast Captain Ben Stokes decided he had had enough (bizarrely revealing that midway through a bowling spell at Nottingham and then, the showman that he is, promptly taking a wicket), while coach Brendon McCullum received the tap on the shoulder. Bazball done. Now we have reset 2.0 with a new skipper - and an old one, too, with Joe Root retaking the job he previously held from 2017-2022 - and a new permanent coach, although not straight away with Stephen Fleming only taking over in earnest ahead of the South Africa trip this winter, leaving Marcus Trescothick in interim charge against Pakistan from Wednesday, live on Sky Sports. For good or for bad, we knew how England's Bazballers would approach a Test match but with Baz and Ben now gone - the former moving into international retirement, the latter focusing on his role as white-ball head coach - it will be intriguing to see how the style evolves in Root's second term at the helm. How will England look to play under Root? Root stressed to Sky Sports' Michael Atherton that he did not want to be seen as a "negative captain" after the issue of England not appearing to even attempt a chase of 273 against New Zealand at Lord's under his leadership in 2021 was brought up - Dom Sibley's dead-batted 60 off 207 balls highlighted that mindset. He spoke glowingly about the effect Bazball had on "taking the fear away" from players and how much he had enjoyed being part of it. He plans to take that into his latest stint as leader but also bring a bit more situational awareness. In one of Stokes' first interviews as captain four years ago, he was adamant he would never play for a draw. Root, though, explained to Atherton that his England would understand when that was sometimes the way to go. It seems a bit of nuance is coming. And that is all England fans and followers have been crying out for. Bazball was not inherently bad, in fact it was inherently good in lifting the team out of the funk they were in after a long period of poor results and oppressive Covid bubbles beforehand. But it was also inherently flawed and never really sustainable. Root's job now is to channel the best bits of Bazball, add his own stamp and build a winning machine. If England can play as Root bats, then they probably won't go far wrong. You could never accuse Root of being negative with the blade - we often hear pundits mention how you look up and England's all-time leading run-scorer is on 30 from 30 balls or similar - but he knows when to dial things down and how to win games. Time for England to start winning again Winning is not something England are too familiar with in Test cricket at the moment. Their implosion against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in June means they have lost seven and won just two of their last 10 matches. Both of those wins came in toss-ups on poor pitches. Victories also eluded England during the final part of Root's first spell in charge, with just one across 17 matches before he left in April 2022 but it is worth remembering how taxing that Covid period was and that he didn't always have his best players available. Root may never be a tactical genius, may not have the gutfeel Stokes had for captaincy - the failed short-ball barrage he deployed against New Zealand while standing in for Stokes at The Oval earlier this summer, dubbed "brainless" by Atherton, was a howler. Yet he is England's winning-most captain ever, with 27 victories, one more than Michael Vaughan and three more than Stokes and Sir Alastair Cook. Plus, he feels time has made him realise what he does and does not need to get involved in as skipper and that he must not over-bowl a prized asset in Jofra Archer, something he admitted he was perhaps guilty of in the past. There is a fear that Root's run-scoring could diminish with the added pressures of captaincy but that did not happen during the Covid era when he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, so it probably won't now either. Root was not the sexiest choice to be England captain - Sky Sports' Mark Butcher called going back to him "retrograde" and it hardly speaks volumes about succession planning. However, with Harry Brook's nightclub incident late last year still pretty fresh and Jacob Bethell remaining very nascent in his Test career, and injured now anyway, Root's appointment makes sense. Stokes retirement leaves big void to fill He has so many attributes to make this work, including previous experience and the complete respect of his team-mates, but what he doesn't have is Stokes. Replacing Stokes in the XI is one thing - Dan Lawrence will do it against Pakistan, Sam Curran or Rehan Ahmed could do it in the future. Replacing his aura, all-round aptitude and ability to dig England out of a hole time and time again is almost impossible. While maybe not the player he was, Stokes' departure means England are worse off. The feeling, either genuine or just because it would be one hell of a story, is that Stokes could return for The Ashes next summer, a series England will be looking to win for the first time since 2015. Stokes says he won't but it would be no surprise if he did. For now, though, England need to forget about Stokes and forget about The Ashes. The time has come to win again, starting against Pakistan. Let the new era begin - without the old mistakes. Watch day one of the first Test between England and Pakistan, at Headingley, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.15am on Wednesday (11am first ball). Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW. England vs Pakistan Test series fixtures - First Test (Headingley) - Wednesday August 19 - Sunday August 23 (first ball 11am) - Second Test (Lord's) - Thursday August 27 - Monday August 31 (first ball 11am) - Third Test (Edgbaston) - Wednesday September 9 - Sunday September 13 (first ball 11am)

Joe Root: England's returning Test captain says Bazball blueprint won't be ripped up ahead of Pakistan series Joe Root's second stint as England Test skipper begins with three-match series against Pakistan; visiting captain Babar Azam ruled out of first Test with finger injury; watch first Test from Headingley, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am, Wednesday (first ball 11am) Tuesday 18 August 2026 18:46, UK Returning England Test skipper Joe Root says he feels "as ready as any other England captain", adding he has no plans on "ripping up" the Bazball blueprint that preceded his second stint in charge. Root has captained England on a record 65 occasions, his first permanent spell from 2017 to 2022 ending with a run of just one win in 17 Tests before Ben Stokes took over in step with head coach Brendon McCullum. But, after an impressive first couple of years to the Bazball era, the 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand earlier this summer saw Stokes retire from international cricket during the final Test and subsequently prompted McCullum's removal as red-ball head coach. "I don't think there's a huge amount we need to change. It's small things that will make a big difference," Root said ahead of the three-Test series against Pakistan, which starts on Wednesday at Headingley - live on Sky Sports Cricket, from 10am (first ball 11am). - England begin new Test era with old captain and no Ben Stokes - Joe Root removes England's midnight curfew - Stream England vs Pakistan without a contract - Listen to the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast "It's not about ripping it up, I think it's about keeping a lot of the good stuff we've been doing for a period of time, stuff that Ben and Baz built for a long while. "I don't believe there is one way of playing Test cricket. You've got to be adaptable and play the situation. It's never the same throughout five days, there's different challenges and you've got to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout." As for his own readiness to return to the captaincy, the 35-year-old made it clear he was fully prepared to embrace the challenge one more time. "The landscape is different," he said. "I'm a different player and person than I was when I [first] took over as captain. "I'm in a very fortunate, unique position where I've got 60-odd games of experience to look back on. There are things I might want to change and do slightly differently. "I had time to step away, play in a different environment, under a different coach, different captain, and see the game from a different lens. "In many ways I feel as ready as any other England captain that's been before; to have that amount of experience is invaluable." He added: "I'm really excited. And to get the chance to start at Headingley as well is always nice, my home ground. "It's a very talented group of players that are very capable of special things. I'm really excited about where we can take this team." 'Hugely supportive' Brook to remain vice-captain White-ball skipper Harry Brook, despite serving as Test vice-captain, was overlooked in favour of Root to lead England in Stokes' absence for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, as well as for the permanent job upon his international retirement. Root confirmed Brook will continue in the role as No 2 in the Test team and insisted the pair's bond remains strong. "Our relationship is exactly as it has been for a long time," he said. "Me and Harry are very good friends and get along well away from cricket, and clearly get the best out of each other when playing together. "He's been hugely supportive. I fully feel like he's got my back, as the rest of the guys do. He's going to be invaluable. "He's done some brilliant things already within the white-ball space. He's a brilliant leader within the group and the fact he's not captain, that shouldn't be taken away from him." As for life without Stokes, Root added: "It's a big void to fill. He's someone who has been ever present for the best part of 15 years. "It's been different, but we've only been together as a full team for a day and a half." And quizzed on whether he could yet return to the side, with a home Ashes series on the horizon in 2027, Root said: "Who knows? That's a question for Ben. "We need to look after the here and now, and that's this series." Pakistan captain Babar injured for Headingley Pakistan captain Babar Azam has been ruled out of the series opener against England due to a finger injury, with Salman Ali Agha taking temporary charge at Headingley. Babar was initially struck on the right hand when facing the West Indies earlier this month, before he then received another blow from England Under-19 seamer Manny Lumsden in a tour match at Beckenham last week. He retired hurt in what was described at the time as a "precautionary measure". The tourists were keen to give him time to recover but, while he has been cleared of a broken middle finger, he has not been cleared to lead his side at Headingley despite working through a brief net session. "Babar Azam is not available, Salman will be captain," head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said on Tuesday. "It's not broken, there is a little bit of swelling on the finger. Hopefully he will be available for the second Test match." Babar's absence robs Pakistan not only of their leader but one of their most talented batters, with nine Test hundreds to his name and a Test average of 43.68. Saud Shakeel is expected to be drafted into the XI after sitting out the West Indies series. 'Relaxed Root looks up for the challenge' Sky Sports News reporter James Cole: "It's old shoes for Joe Root; he's got all the experience behind him and he seemed relaxed. "He is, it's fair to say, inheriting a big rebuilding job. England have lost seven of their last 10 Tests, they've lost their head coach Brendon McCullum and their captain Ben Stokes, who had been such a mainstay of the Test team for so long and led such a unique, attacking brand of cricket called Bazball. "As well as losing Stokes from the middle order, who was the glue and provided balance between the batting and bowling, they've got an opener Emilio Gay who has played just three Test and who is out of nick at the moment, and a rookie at number three in Jordan Cox, who has only batted there once before. "In place of the talismanic Stokes, Dan Lawrence comes back in and offers a spinning all-rounder option, but he hasn't played a Test in two years. "It's fair to say Root has got a lot on his hands, but he's up for the challenge." Watch day one of the first Test between England and Pakistan, at Headingley, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10.15am on Wednesday (11am first ball). Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW. England vs Pakistan Test series fixtures - First Test (Headingley) - Wednesday August 19 - Sunday August 23 (first ball 11am) - Second Test (Lord's) - Thursday August 27 - Monday August 31 (first ball 11am) - Third Test (Edgbaston) - Wednesday September 9 - Sunday September 13 (first ball 11am)

England's Harry Brook goes top of ICC Test batting rankings as Travis Head falls after Australia's shock Bangladesh defeat Harry Brook moves top of ICC men's Test batting rankings for fourth time; Australia's Travis Head drops down to fourth, with Joe Root second and Steve Smith third; watch the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley, live on Sky Sports from Wednesday Wednesday 19 August 2026 10:59, UK England batter Harry Brook has returned to the top of the ICC men's Test batting rankings, with Australia's Travis Head dropping down after a couple of low scores in their shock Test defeat to Bangladesh. It is Brook's fourth stint at No 1, coming as England's new era under returning captain Joe Root gets under way with the first Test of the three-match series against Pakistan at Headingley - live on Sky Sports. Brook first claimed top spot in December 2024. - Joe Root returns as captain as England take on Pakistan at Headingley LIVE! - England begin new Test cricket era without Ben Stokes - Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream England vs Pakistan with no contract - Listen to the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast Joe Root and Steve Smith have also overtaken Head in the rankings, with Smith scoring 71 and 44 in that Test defeat to Bangladesh in Darwin to move into third position. Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has reached a career-best 20th position, with his knock of 84 in his only innings lifting him nine places and above the likes of India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and compatriot Litton Das. Cameron Green's second-innings century has seen him to advance five positions to 30th. 'Hugely supportive' Brook to remain vice-captain Brook, despite serving as vice-captain, was overlooked for the England Test captaincy in favour of Root following Ben Stokes' international retirement during the final match of the series defeat to New Zealand earlier this summer. Root confirmed Brook will continue in the role for the Pakistan series and insisted the pair's bond remains strong. "Our relationship is exactly as it has been for a long time," Root said on Tuesday. "Me and Harry are very good friends and get along well away from cricket, and clearly get the best out of each other when playing together. "He's been hugely supportive. I fully feel like he's got my back, as the rest of the guys do. He's going to be invaluable. "He's done some brilliant things already within the white-ball space. He's a brilliant leader within the group and the fact he's not captain, that shouldn't be taken away from him." Watch the first Test between England and Pakistan, at Headingley, live on Sky Sports from Wednesday, August 19. Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW England vs Pakistan Test series fixtures - First Test (Headingley) - Wednesday August 19 - Sunday August 23 (first ball 11am) - Second Test (Lord's) - Thursday August 27 - Monday August 31 (first ball 11am) - Third Test (Edgbaston) - Wednesday September 9 - Sunday September 13 (first ball 11am)

England thrash Pakistan inside three days as Joe Root's second era as captain starts with innings win at Headingley England cruise to 1-0 lead in three-match series versus Pakistan; Joe Root rewarded for funky fields as hosts skittle tourists for 135 in second innings; England can wrap up first series victory since December 2024 by winning second Test at Lord's from Thursday, live on Sky Sports Friday 21 August 2026 17:55, UK Joe Root won his first Test back as permanent England captain by an innings and 103 runs with Pakistan rolled for 135 before tea on day three at Headingley. A visiting side who had been demolished for 171 in 48.1 overs on day one were bundled out in 37.3 second time around in Leeds after England made 409 in their sole knock of the match. Jofra Archer (3-50), much improved from a rusty first-innings effort, struck twice early on to reduce Pakistan to 13-2 and Josh Tongue's (3-43) three-wicket burst post-lunch, including that of Shan Masood (29), pretty much ended any hope of the visitors reaching day four. Root was rewarded for some funky fields - Azan Awais (9) clipped Archer to him at leg slip, Saud Shakeel (14) picked out Dan Lawrence in an unorthodox backward square spot off Tongue - as his team crushed their inexperienced opponents in a one-sided contest. - Not got Sky? Latest Sky Sports deals or stream no contract - Scorecard: England vs Pakistan, first Test, Headingley - England vs Pakistan - as it happened on day three in Leeds Gus Atkinson (1-11) cleaned up a swiping top-scorer Mohammad Rizwan (41) to put England on the brink before Mohammad Abbas (6) ballooned Archer to Lawrence to end a game in which Ollie Robinson (3-29) and Tongue bagged eight wickets each. England are now toasting just a third win in their last 11 Tests and if they triumph in the second fixture at Lord's from Thursday - 11am first ball, live on Sky Sports - they will secure a first series victory since a 2-1 success in New Zealand in December 2024. They did thrash Zimbabwe in a one-off game at Trent Bridge last summer but have lost two and drawn one of their last three multi-match contests, with a 2-2 stalemate against India preceding a 4-1 drubbing in Australia and 2-1 home defeat to New Zealand. Bigger challenges to come but Root starts well Stiffer tests of Root's captaincy are still to come. Hopefully in this three-match assignment, although Pakistan's lack of quality and x-factor could scupper that, but certainly in South Africa over the winter - new permanent head coach Stephen Fleming's first series in charge - and next summer's Ashes. Yet this was an encouraging start, with England's run-rate of 4.55 an over owing more to Pakistan's wayward bowling and sloppy fielding than Bazball-style batting, with Harry Brook showing welcome restraint during his 93-ball 91. First-innings five-fors for Robinson and Tongue, England's relentless with the ball, and half-centuries from Root and Brook as well as the recalled Lawrence and Jordan Cox were other highlights. Jamie Smith's dismissal - hacking an innocuous short ball from Khurram Shahzad (3-133) to midwicket to fall for 25 after England began day three on 366-8, leading by 195 - was one of few lowlights. Around Smith's exit, Archer (23no) and Tongue (8) struck some glittering boundaries - Archer smoking the game's sole six, off Khurram over the leg-side. Pakistan crumble again with the bat amid England onslaught Archer then got stuck into Pakistan's openers, forcing a swaying Imam to glove through to Smith and then extracting Azan, after the latter had avoided the indignity of a pair having been lbw to Robinson from the first ball of the match. Abdullah Shafique (15) and Masood steadied Pakistan for a spell, only for the former to prod limply at a Robinson delivery and edge to Brook at second slip shortly before lunch. Tongue then vaporised Saud, Masood and stand-in skipper Salman Ali Agha - deputising for the injured Babar Azam (hand) - when the action restarted, with Masood caught at slip and Salman lbw to a nip-backer in the same over. When Ali Usman (7) - whose five-wicket haul was one of the few bright sparks for Pakistan over a chastening three days - fell to an excellent diving slip catch from Cox, after the ball had ballooned up off Smith's thigh, the tourists were toast. Pakistan were then eight down when Rizwan bizarrely exposed tailender Khurram (8) to Robinson just one ball into an over and the No 9 duly nicked off - one of many blunders Salman's men made in Yorkshire. Watch day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan, at Lord's, live on Sky Sports Cricket and Sky Sports Main Event from 10am on Thursday (11am first ball). Stream cricket and more contract-free with NOW. England vs Pakistan Test series schedule All games live on Sky Sports; all 11am starts UK and Ireland - First Test (Headingley) - England win by innings and 103 runs - Second Test (Lord's) - August 27-31 - Third Test (Edgbaston) - September 9-13

Root's return as Test captain a sign of England's problems The right-hander has already led England in a national record 65 Tests England's decision to reappoint Joe Root for a second spell as full-time Test captain, starting with this week's opener against Pakistan, is an obvious move but arguably an indictment of the lack of leadership in their set-up. Root, one of the best batsmen of his generation, has already led England in a national record 65 Tests, mainly during a five-year spell from 2017-2022. He initially stood down as skipper following a dire run of one win in 17 Tests. "The last couple of years, it (the captaincy) sucked the life out of me," he said a few months later on a podcast. "I was a shadow of the person I wanted to be... Once I'd made the decision it was a real relief." But, despite a modest return of 27 wins, 27 defeats and 11 draws as Test captain, Root is putting himself through it all again. England have no realistic alternative after former skipper Ben Stokes's dramatic announcement during the third Test at home to New Zealand in June that he was retiring from international cricket. Harry Brook, vice-captain under Stokes, is already the skipper of England's white-ball teams and it may have been too much to expect him to lead the side in all three formats. It was Brook's altercation with a nightclub bouncer in New Zealand in November last year which led England to impose a midnight curfew. When Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were omitted from the second Test against New Zealand after breaking that curfew in a London bar, Root was installed as acting captain. Root announced last week he is ditching the curfew. None of England's other batsmen besides Brook are certain of their place and none of the bowlers are candidates to be captain, not least because of fitness issues. Ollie Pope, back in the squad for the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, has previously been England's vice-captain. But after he was replaced in that role by Brook, he was dropped from the team during England's 4-1 Ashes thrashing in Australia. 'Different player' England appear to want Root to remain Test captain until at least the end of next year's home Ashes. That is a run of 13 Tests, which also includes a tough tour of South Africa later this year, and a series away to Bangladesh, who on Sunday delivered one of the all-time great upsets with a commanding nine-wicket win away to Australia. England will hope Root will be a more astute skipper second time around. "I am a very different player and have a different way of looking at the game than the last time I captained, in a good way," the 35-year-old said when he was stand-in captain against New Zealand. But the fear is leadership could render Root, who is in sight of surpassing India hero Sachin Tendulkar as Test cricket's all-time leading run-scorer, a less effective batsman. That is the last thing England, who have lost seven of their last nine Tests, need as they look to move on from the Bazball era. Root said earlier this month he would not "rip up" the playbook of ultra-aggressive cricket but rather "tweak" things, in the hope of guiding England to the kind of series wins over powerhouses India and Australia that eluded Stokes and former Test coach Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge of the white-ball teams. England were often accused of arrogance under Stokes and McCullum, especially once results started to go against them. The three-Test series against Pakistan is set to reveal whether England under Root will be able to turn the tide.

Joe Root says he is not planning on “ripping up” the work of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum as England prepare to face Pakistan in the first Test in Leeds, on the Yorkshireman’s return to the captaincy. The three-match series is the first since the retirement of Stokes from international cricket and the removal of McCullum from his red-ball role. Root could not escape questions about the former captain and how his side go about replacing him. “It’s a big void to fill and someone that’s been ever present for the best part of 15 years, so clearly it’s been different [not having him around],” said Root. “One thing I think is really important for all of us is we don’t get too stuck in the last six months and we don’t get too caught up in the next six months. “We’ve got a unique series that we find ourselves in, and we’ve got to be very present throughout the whole of it, and understand the different challenges that Pakistan present us.” Asked whether he can see Stokes returning, Root would not be drawn. “Who knows?” he said. “That’s a question for Ben. I just said we need to look after the here and now and that’s this series.” Root said he has been in “constant contact” with the incoming head coach, Stephen Fleming, who will not take up his position until after the Pakistan series, with Marcus Trescothick filling in for now. “I don’t think there’s a huge amount that we need to change. It’s small things that will make a big difference. It’s not about ripping it up. It’s about keeping a lot of the good stuff that we’ve been doing for a period of time and that Ben and Baz built for a long while, but making small adjustments that in-game will make a big difference. “I don’t believe there is a style, one way of playing Test cricket. I think you’ve got to be adaptable and you’ve got to play the situation and the different tempos of the game. It’s never the same throughout the five days. There are different challenges and you’ve got to adjust to the different ebbs and flows of it throughout that period. When you get your opportunity, you want to put teams under pressure and you want to find ways of driving the game forward, but that might look different in different circumstances.” Root will be up against a new Test captain. Babar Azam has been ruled out of the series opener after hurting his right hand in Pakistan’s warm-up fixture at Beckenham last week, prompting Salman Ali Agha to take the role at Headingley. It is a major blow for a side who have not won a Test series away from home since 2023. England are yet to name an XI as they select from a squad that has mostly been in Hundred action over the last few weeks, with Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson in the Manchester Super Giants side that triumphed on Sunday. Both were present at training on Tuesday, with Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Matthew Fisher, Sam Cook and Ollie Robinson the other seam options available to Root. Dan Lawrence is locked into the side at No 6, effectively replacing Stokes, with Root talking up the 29-year-old’s off-spin. “Dan’s been an exceptional player for Surrey throughout the whole season. His numbers are amazing. He’s played some brilliant innings and is in great form and I think is a very underrated bowler. So he offers a great amount. Clearly it is a different makeup to the team and a different balance to things, but there’s no reason why that can’t be successful either.”

Harry Brook has sparkled in front of his own. The Yorkshireman ran the chase against Australia at Headingley three years ago and played a strong hand against India last year. On Thursday he was England’s top-scorer but the slightest misjudgment against Ali Usman’s left-arm spin on 91 was costly. He’s still waiting to take the helmet off at home, for Headingley to rise after he’s reached three figures in a Test match. He will have to keep waiting a few years. The ground finds itself without a men’s Test for the next two years, not part of the England and Wales Cricket Board’s allocation for the visit of Pat Cummins’s Australia in 2027. It will have to wait until 2031 for that money-spinning fixture. With Old Trafford off the list too, there will not be a men’s Ashes Test in the north next summer. Sanjay Patel, Yorkshire’s chief executive, has called the absence of men’s Test cricket over the next two years “devastating” for the club, echoing the sentiments expressed in their most recent annual report and accounts. “Any year without a men’s Test match will unfortunately still result in a £2m-£3m loss,” reads the report, which is a neat reminder of how the red pill continues to keep English cricket’s heart beating. (It also notes how Patel’s company SMP73 Limited was paid a commission of £1.75m for “certain services” related to the sale of Northern Superchargers). Even with Yorkshire selling their Hundred franchise, granting them £52.1m and clearing their debts – radically changing their financial outlook – they still need Test cricket around here. It goes both ways. The Test game too has certainly enjoyed Headingley, particularly in recent years. There were Shai Hope’s twin tons for the victorious West Indies in 2017, and a couple of Baz-fuelled chases against New Zealand and India. The 2023 Ashes Test was a tight one that kept that series ticking and the cherry, of course, is Ben Stokes’s unbeaten 135 in 2019 while Jack Leach wiped his specs. Would any of this ground’s underdog magic soak itself into Pakistan’s batting here? The answer was quick. This will not go down as one of the classics, the gulf between these two sides far too significant, making it a bittersweet Friday at Headingley. After two rain-interrupted days the place found a breeze to go with the sunshine, the stands packed, but there was no contest. Salman Ali Agha’s side crumbled in rather depressing style, failing to string together a stand of note. Mohammad Rizwan played his shots but there was always a significant chance in the morning that this would wrap before the weekend. They are used to home victories around here – this was England’s seventh successive Test win at Headingley – but they are also used to a good game. This was never close to being one. Joe Root celebrated the perfect return, his 28th Test victory as England captain, five years on from his 27th on this ground, sealed in the afternoon sunshine. He made a few and grabbed one at leg slip to get things moving in Pakistan’s second innings. You wonder if he will play another Test at home, whether he will have the chance to feel the love again from the Western Terrace. And what will Yorkshire look like in a couple of years’ time? Patel and Colin Graves, the club’s chair, continue to push for the controversial demutualisation of this members’ club, claiming external investment is needed to improve their facilities. Of course, while Patel grumbles about the lack of men’s action on this ground there will be a women’s Ashes Test here next June, a landmark moment to be celebrated, the red ball still finding its way here. Brook will surely have his moment in a few years, maybe as the man leading the show. And there’s still a one-day international against Sri Lanka to play this summer … on 24 September. For now, though, it’s goodbye from Headingley.

The sounds heard coming from the Headingley area at 3.38pm on Friday were not simply the belching roars of the Western Terrace as England wrapped up a one-sided victory over Pakistan. A pressure valve had also been released. One win against a team as ragged as this Pakistan one might not have been reason for Joe Root to hang bunting off the Dickie Bird balcony at his home ground. But given events this year – events that have thrust Root back into the Test captaincy under an interim head coach – the alternative was unthinkable. There were banana skins ready to upend England this week, not least the rogue scheduling that asked their players to make an instant switch from the quickfire action of the Hundred to a Test match. In the case of Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson, this came three days after playing in Sunday’s final. And for Root there was a need to change the narrative around his captaincy and restore a sense of calm in the England dressing room. The fact is, the majority of these players lived and breathed every aspect of life under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. A number went on record saying they were “gutted” it was over. But while it would be wrong to say they did not break a sweat here – Harry Brook was seen rubbing the ball on Ollie Robinson’s back at one stage – England were clinical all the same. After making 409 all out for a 238-run lead, they skittled Pakistan for 135 to win by an innings and 103 runs in three days. Other than being one of four English batters to get past 50 but fall short of three-figures, Root could scarcely have wished for a more straightforward return to the job. Lasting just 175.3 overs, and denying Yorkshire of two days of action in their final men’s Test match until 2029, this was near total domination. The chief difference was with the ball. While Pakistan’s seamers underwhelmed – not helped by some shambolic fielding – England’s were ruthlessly efficient. Better sides would have struggled to cope with the blend of Robinson’s metronomic wobble-seam and the slippery pace of the other three arrows in Root’s quiver. There was a sense of inevitability about this blend inflicting a second Pakistan collapse once England had nudged past their first 400-plus total in 19 innings on the third morning. And again it began with the tourists losing one of their openers before their first run was on the board when Jofra Archer got things moving. After adding 23 brisk runs with the bat, Archer’s fifth ball angled into Imam-ul-Haq and flicked gloves that should have been lower as he swayed. It was the first of three for Archer, for the second of which Root moved himself to leg slip – a regular feature of his predecessor’s playbook – before Azan Awais sprung the trap on nine. It was the combination of Robinson and Tongue that troubled the tourists over the course of two innings, however, with the pair picking up three wickets apiece in the victory charge to both finish with eight overall. Unlike the match ball the pair had amusingly split on day one, Robinson claimed player of the match all for himself. Tongue first, who tucked up Saud Shakeel on 14 to send a catch to the lesser-spotted backward square leg, then nicked off Shan Masood for 29, and pinned Salman Ali Agha lbw for four. For all that England have struggled these past 12 months, his 34 victims at 25 – plus the hardiness that has helped him play all through this summer, all formats – points to the emergence of a significant bowler. Robinson, on the other hand, is a re-emergence, with his skill never in doubt but his attitude unfancied by the management for two years. After collecting seven wickets on his return at Lord’s in June, the 32-year-old has 15 at 10 runs a-pop this summer. The final box to tick is showing he can operate in games that go deeper; that the back won’t go into spasm when the pitch is less conducive. On surfaces like this one, however, he is a banker – forever probing that off-stump line and asking questions. Here he persuaded Abdullah Shafique to send an edge to second slip and mopped up a couple of tail-enders. Another feature to this was Jamie Smith’s quietly efficient performance standing up to the stumps, the wicketkeeper having been drilled hard by Sarah Taylor during the training days. But save for Jordan Cox looking so swaggeringly assured with 73 in his first crack at No 3, and Brook’s 91 both measured but no less breezy, there is a nagging sense that England have learned precious little by dint of Pakistan’s current funk. Mohammad Rizwan top-scored with a punchy 41 on the final day before Atkinson wiped out his off stump, while 24 hours earlier Ali Usman claimed a rare five-wicket haul for a spinner in these parts. But overall, it was hard to be optimistic about the remainder of this series becoming more competitive as it goes on. Root, who nudged his victories as captain, 28, back above his defeats, 27, won’t mind this. Like many others, his main query is why his home ground – a ground where England have now won their last seven in row – has been overlooked for the Ashes bid he is increasingly likely to lead next summer.

England's post-Bazball era got off to an encouraging start on a dominant Day 1 of the first Test against Pakistan, with pacers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each taking five wickets to rip through the tourists' batting lineup at Headingley. After Pakistan collapsed from 117-3 to 171 all out, England made inroads in the evening session Thursday to reach the close on 112-2 and was trailing by just 59 runs. It could hardly have gone any better for Joe Root, who was beginning his second stint as captain following the retirement of Ben Stokes and was there at stumps on 37 not out alongside Jordan Cox (23 not out) after winning the toss under an overcast sky. Off the first ball of the three-match series, Robinson pinned Azan Awais with a delivery that nipped back from around the wicket. In his third over, Robinson went over the wicket and trapped Shan Masood (5) trying to drive and Pakistan was 6-2. Following a two-hour rain delay and a 91-run partnership for the third wicket between Imam-ul-Haq (42) and Abdullah Shafique (61), Robinson and Tongue ran through the Pakistan batters and had figures of 5-51 and 5-46, respectively. Asked which of the bowlers was keeping the match ball, Tongue revealed after the close of play that it was being shared — literally. “The groundsman has kindly split the ball in half so I'm sure I'll be able to get that mounted somewhere at home,” said Tongue, who claimed his fourth five-wicket haul in his 13th Test. “It's crazy — it's the first time I've seen that happen.” Robinson’s dramatic return For Robinson, it was another dramatic return. He was playing his first Test since June at Lord's, where he took a match-winning 7-77 against New Zealand in his first Test in two years. A knee injury and doubts about his fitness prevented his return in that series that England lost 2-1, leading to the retirement of Stokes and the firing of Brendon McCullum as Test coach. Pakistan, with just two wins in its last seven Tests and missing captain Babar Azam (finger injury), provided ideal opponents for the start of England's latest reset and lost its last five wickets for 21 runs in 22 balls. “They bowled very well, we have to give credit to the England bowlers. They were decent with their length and they were hitting the right spots,” Imam said. “Obviously we have to work hard now but I always believe that it's a long game... things change very quickly. Get two wickets and the game's going to change.” Root in good form In England's reply, Mohammad Abbas trapped Ben Duckett for 15 and Emilio Gay departed for 33, nicking Mohammad Ali to second slip, but Root and Cox settled the home side. Root, in particular, looked in prime form and has already hit six fours in his 53-ball knock early in his chase for a 42nd Test century. Pakistan, which hasn't won a Test series in England since 1996, had Salman Agha deputising as skipper with Babar not recovering from a finger injury. Dan Lawrence — a batter but also a spin option — was in at No. 6 for England in his first Test in two years. Robinson makes history with first-ball wicket According to the BBC, it is the first time a team has taken a wicket off the first ball of a Test series in England, which has been hosting matches since 1880. It has only previously happened 11 times in the history of Test cricket. Jimmy Anderson was the other English player to do it, when he removed Dean Elgar in a series in South Africa in 2019-20. Published - August 20, 2026 10:46 am IST

LEEDS, England (AP) — England wrapped up an innings win over Pakistan inside three days in the first test on Friday, delivering a strong start to the post-Bazball era under returning captain Joe Root. Dismissed for 409 around 40 minutes into day three, England took a 238-run advantage into the second innings and skittled Pakistan for 135 in 37.3 overs before tea. England won by an innings and 103 runs for a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second test starts on Thursday at Lord’s. “Brilliant performance,” Root said. “You look at the prep we had leading in, coming straight from the Hundred, the fact we're in a slight transition stage. I thought the way that we dealt with all of that, the clarity and the way the guys approached this week has been outstanding.” England's battery of four seamers pestered consistently at a fuller length that's required at Headingley and Pakistan couldn't endure it. Jofra Archer removed the openers with the new ball, Ollie Robinson got three more wickets, Josh Tongue was introduced after lunch and took three wickets averaging 143 kph (89 mph), and Gus Atkinson bowled superbly for the late reward of Pakistan top scorer Mohammad Rizwan. Robinson and Tongue each took eight wickets in the match. They took five each in the first innings and literally split the match ball in half. Robinson was named the player of the match for his 8-80 compared to Tongue's 8-89. This was Robinson's first test since June when he took7-77 against New Zealand. He'd been working on his fitness, he said, and his partner had their first baby last week. “I'm going to try and get as much sleep as I can before the next test,” he said. England is in a new era following theretirement of captain Ben Stokesand thefiring of Brendon McCullumas test coach after the 2-1 series loss to New Zealand in June. Pakistan arrived with a semblance of confidence after drawing the series in the West Indies this month and playing a warmup match last week. But Pakistan looked rusty and the bowling and fielding was less than ordinary. The question, after finishing England's first innings in the morning, was whether the visitor could force play into a fourth day. England, 366-8 overnight, added 43 runs for its first 400-plus total in 10 tests. Archer pulled the only six of the match. Khurram Shahzad took both wickets and showed the pitch was still offering plenty for the bowlers. Pakistan started 0-1 for the second time in the match. Imam-ul-Haq bent backwards to an Archer bouncer and the ball brushed a glove. Azan Awais, who fell to the first ball of the series, then nicked to Root at leg slip and Archer had dismissed both openers. The pressure was on veterans Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique to endure, but Robinson broke their partnership in the 14th over. Robinson busted through Shafique's determined defense with a nick to second slip. Pakistan went to lunch at 59-3 with Masood set at the ground where he spent two seasons playing for Yorkshire. But straight after the interval Tongue was given the ball and Root's field placement paid off. Dan Lawrence had just been sent to backward square when Saud Shakeel whipped Tongue straight to him. Masood then tried pushing at Tongue and edged to England's new first slip, Ben Duckett. Tongue had two wickets in two balls as he did in the first innings and couldn't nail the hat trick. But Tongue soon had 3-7 in 11 balls when he pinned stand-in skipper Salman Agha on 8 and was hastening Pakistan's demise at 76-6. Rizwan, Pakistan's last recognized batter at No. 7, top-scored with 41 but, for someone playing his 46th test, surprisingly failed to shepherd the tail. Rizwan was the ninth man out. Five minutes later the game was over. “England have outplayed us, they've been outstanding in every department,” Agha told the BBC. "We need to flush this game out and turn it around at Lord's. See AP’s full cricket coverage here Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Log In Keep it Clean.Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.Don't Threaten.Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.Be Truthful.Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.Be Nice.No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.Be Proactive.Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.Share with Us.We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles. Mon.-Fri. 8AM-4PM (EST); Sat. 8AM-11AM (EST) Message and data rates may apply frequency may vary.

The Athletic has launched a Cricket WhatsApp Channel. Click here to join. So, do England have a new captain or will it be the same Joe Root? The one who won more Tests than any man to have led England in his first spell in charge, but also lost more than anyone else? Will England’s greatest Test batter be a more imaginative, proactive captain when he leads his side out against Pakistan on Wednesday, or the same uninspiring leader who won one of his last 17 Tests in charge before Ben Stokes took over in 2022, charged with revitalising the side? Advertisement These are the questions hanging over Root and England at Headingley as they start all over again six weeks after Stokes’ own stint as captain came to as surreal and bonkers an end as anything their traditionally mercurial opponents Pakistan can ever have mustered. Few captains have been handed a second chance to do things differently, as Root has now by England in the absence of any feasible alternative candidate — other than a white-ball captain in Harry Brook just too busy and perhaps too immature to do the job yet. The issue now is whether Root can grasp that opportunity and arrest the decline of an England side who saw Stokes retire mid-match in the last Test against New Zealand, then sacked their coach, Brendon McCullum, on the back of seven defeats in their last 10 Tests. In that context, they cannot afford to slip up against Pakistan. The good news for England is that Root does look genuinely enthused and energised by his return to a job he suggested was bad for his health towards the end of his first spell in charge. He does not appear to be reluctantly stepping in now simply out of a sense of duty. “The landscape’s very different and I’m a very different player and person than when I first took over as captain,” Root told reporters at his home ground on Tuesday. “I’m in a very fortunate and unique position where I’ve got 60-odd games to look back on as captain, and there are things I might want to change and do slightly differently. “I’ve had time to step away, play in a different environment with a different coach and captain, and see the game through a different lens. Now I can think about the best way to take this team forward. “In many ways I feel as ready as any England captain there’s ever been, and to have that amount of experience is invaluable. It’s a completely different set of circumstances now and I’m very much looking forward to it.” Advertisement It is worth remembering the difficult hand Root was dealt when he took over from Alastair Cook early in 2017. He has talked about the unique challenges presented by being in charge of England during the Covid-19 pandemic, but that was only half the story. Root would never say anything negative about his good friend Stokes, but there is no question the former captain’s arrest in Bristol — he was subsequently found not guilty of affray — and resultant absence from the Ashes in Australia in 2017-18 cast a long shadow over England and their then fledgling captain. Then Root faced the unprecedented situation of England prioritising white-ball cricket in the build-up to the 2019 World Cup, a tournament won by a team overseen by Eoin Morgan, while the Test side had to settle for second best. By the time Covid had left Root’s captaincy all but broken, it was no real surprise he refused even to attempt chasing a target of 273 runs in 73 overs set by New Zealand at Lord’s in 2021. He jumped a year later just before he was pushed. Root was again dealt a bad hand when he had to step in for the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval earlier this summer after another drinking incident involving Stokes led to him becoming the first England captain effectively suspended for a match. Even so, there were slightly worrying signs that Root still does not have the instinctive feel for leadership that came so naturally to Stokes. Not least when he gave Jofra Archer a demanding eight-over spell on the first evening and then ignored his spearhead the next morning when England were desperate for wickets. Root may have been acting on medical advice with Archer playing his first red-ball game after returning from the Indian Premier League (IPL), but it did conjure memories of the captain’s mishandling of his most explosive fast bowler when he burst onto the scene in 2019, not least when Archer bowled 42 overs in an innings against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui that winter. Advertisement Archer has been quietly having a very impressive summer for England. He was named their player of the series against New Zealand and then thrived in the white-ball matches against India. How Root handles him now will be integral to England’s chances in three Tests they really should win against a Pakistan side without a series victory in England in 30 years. Pakistan’s status as firm underdogs was increased with the news that captain Babar Azam has failed to recover from the finger injury suffered in the Caribbean earlier this year and exacerbated in their warm-up game at Beckenham last week. In the absence of the biggest star in Pakistan cricket, the T20 captain Salman Agha will take over. At least coach Sarfaraz Ahmed said at Headingley on Tuesday that there was no break to Babar’s finger and he is hopeful of being fit for the second Test at Lord’s next week. Pakistan have arrived in England on the back of a credible 1-1 draw against West Indies and England cannot underestimate an attack led by the highly experienced figure of Mohammad Abbas, who has almost 1,000 first-class wickets to his name. Abbas is a far cry from the great Pakistan fast bowlers like Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, but he operates in the late 70mph mark that, with the keeper standing up, has proved such a problem in recent times for England. Not least for Root who, with Tom Blundell invariably hovering just behind him, averaged just 28 in the 2-1 defeat by New Zealand. He must now prove that the captaincy will not be a further hindrance to his batting. Root, who averages 46 as captain as opposed to 53 without it, needs a further 1,808 runs to overtake Sachin Tendulkar and become the most prolific run scorer in Test history. “I have 160 Test matches’ worth of experience and an understanding of my game,” Root added at Headingley. “The first year of my last tenure as captain was probably the best I’ve ever batted and I found a really good way of combining the captaincy with my batting then. I look at the game very differently now and I’ve no concerns over that being an issue.” Root, who said he has been speaking to new coach-in-waiting Stephen Fleming “almost every day” in the build-up to this series, plans to field at mid-off rather than in the slips where he will be able to communicate with an attack led by Archer. Advertisement Whether Josh Tongue and Gus Atkinson join him despite playing in the final of the Hundred only on Sunday remains to be seen with England deciding to wait until the toss on Wednesday before naming their side. It is almost as if they are heading back to the pre-central contract days when they had no real control over their players — at least for the three and a half weeks in August when the Hundred holds sway. But Root cannot have asked for better opponents for his second coming and it would be a huge surprise if England do not win this series comfortably. Then perhaps they can start planning in earnest for one last crack at the Ashes next year for their born-again captain.

England batter Harry Brook has backed Joe Root’s return as Test captain, calling the former skipper the “right man” to lead the red-ball side as England prepare to begin a new era against Pakistan. Root took over the captaincy following Ben Stokes’ retirement and the departure of Test coach Brendon McCullum, with England set to face Pakistan in a three-match series beginning on August 19. Brook, who served as Stokes’ vice-captain, said he is excited to work alongside Root. Advertisement Asked whether his nightclub incident in Wellington had played a role in Root being reinstated, Brook told BBC Sport: “I dunno”. Advertisement “I honestly don’t know. I don’t really look at it like that. The decision to make Rooty captain is the right one. I’m actually really excited to see what he can do. He’s definitely the right man to take over that job. I’m really looking forward to working alongside him.” Brook has established himself as one of England’s leading batters and is also the team’s white-ball captain. His rise, however, was tested by an incident in October 2025 when he was involved in an altercation with a bouncer at a nightclub. “It was a tough period, especially when I was at home, getting ready to face the media,” he said. Brook was fined and warned by the ECB but retained his white-ball captaincy. He later led England to the T20 World Cup semi-finals in 2026. “I feel like the character that I showed throughout that period to go out there and still perform and lead the white-ball side fairly well, I was proud of myself and the team. I don’t want to say it’s helped me, but it’s made me realise how big it is to be England captain. It’s not just the leadership on the field. It makes a massive difference if you can lead with responsibility off the field.” Brook also admitted he was disappointed with his performance during England’s 1-4 Ashes defeat in Australia, where he scored 358 runs in 10 innings. “If supporters get frustrated, imagine how frustrated I get,” he said. “It’s something I’ve been really trying to work on, trying to assess conditions quicker and read the surface better. To go out there knowing what shots are going to be hard and what is going to be easier. I practise every single shot and have done since the age of eight. In the nets, I’d do a 360 challenge with my dad. He’d throw balls, and I’d have to try to hit it to a certain place: that corner, then that corner. I have the ability to hit it everywhere; I just have to figure it out quicker in games,” he added. Advertisement Harry Brook's unbeaten 79 and Phil Salt's 59 guided England to a dominant nine-wicket win over India in the fourth T20I, sealing the series 3-0. Banned from the Indian Premier League until the 2028 season, Harry Brook has insisted he has no regrets about skipping the cash-rich franchise league, saying his only priority is representing England as he also emerged as the leading contender to succeed Ben Stokes as the country's next Test captain. New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum will continue in his role as England head coach across all three formats despite the team’s disappointing results and concerns over dressing-room culture following the recent Ashes tour, which resulted in a 1-4 loss for the tourists in Australia. Harry Brook's unbeaten 79 and Phil Salt's 59 guided England to a dominant nine-wicket win over India in the fourth T20I, sealing the series 3-0. Banned from the Indian Premier League until the 2028 season, Harry Brook has insisted he has no regrets about skipping the cash-rich franchise league, saying his only priority is representing England as he also emerged as the leading contender to succeed Ben Stokes as the country's next Test captain. New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum will continue in his role as England head coach across all three formats despite the team’s disappointing results and concerns over dressing-room culture following the recent Ashes tour, which resulted in a 1-4 loss for the tourists in Australia.

England rout Pakistan to go one up in test series LEEDS, England, Aug 21 - England crushed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs to win a one-sided first test at Headingley and launch Joe Root’s second spell as permanent captain in style. The convulsions which accompanied the series defeat by New Zealand eight weeks ago, with Ben Stokes stepping down and coach Brendon McCullum being relieved of his red-ball duties, were emphatically put behind them by England. A dominant display against a hugely disappointing Pakistan side saw the game wrapped up before tea on the third day despite the loss of more than half a day's play to rain. After England had added 43 runs to their overnight score to reach 409 and gain a first innings lead of 238, their pace attack routed the tourists. Mohammad Rizwan top scored with 41 as Pakistan were bowled out for 135 in 37.3 overs. England's Josh Tongue, who was playing in The Hundred final three days before the start of the test match, finished with 3-43 and Ollie Robinson 3-29. Their match figures of 8-89 and 8-80 respectively were test-career bests. For the second time in the match, Pakistan lost their first wicket without a run on the board as Imam-ul-Haq gloved Jofra Archer to wicketkeeper Jamie Smith in the second over and it was something of a procession thereafter. In Archer’s second over, Azan Awais was caught at leg slip by Root, who had just moved himself there in a prescient piece of captaincy. It was Root’s 219th test catch, taking him back ahead of Australia's Steve Smith atop the all-time non-wicketkeeper list. Everything Root touched turned to gold with Saud Shakeel clipping Tongue to an unusual backward square leg position where Dan Lawrence took a fine diving catch. When Shan Masood went for 29 from 56 balls, edging Tongue to Ben Duckett at slip, the Nottinghamshire quick was on a hat-trick for the second time in the match. Salman Ali Agha foiled the attempt but the Pakistan captain was trapped lbw later in the over. Everything was going England’s way and when Ali Usman nicked Robinson into wicketkeeper Jamie Smith’s leg, the ball ricocheted into the diving Jamie Cox’s hands at slip. Cox took another sharp catch off Robinson to remove Khurram Shahzad before Archer, who took 3-50, dismissed Mohammad Abbas to finish the match. For Pakistan, the shared series in the West Indies earlier this month was made to look like a false dawn. The gulf between the penetration of the two sides' seam attacks, the comfort of the two batting lineups in English conditions and their athleticism in the field was glaring. The second test in the three-match series starts at Lord’s on Thursday when Pakistan will hope to have captain Babar Azam back after a finger injury. REUTERS

Reinstated captain says team must earn back trust by being more professional and less obsessed about style Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email Joe Root has called on England to be “really good role models and human beings” as they look to reconnect with fans after a tumultuous year in which they “fell short”. England’s greatest run-scorerreturns to the captaincy on Wednesdayagainst Pakistan on his home ground Headingley having previously done the job between 2017 and 2022. He replaces the man who succeeded him, Ben Stokes, who retired after June’s defeat to New Zealand which also led to the sacking of Brendon McCullum as head coach of the Test side. Stokes and McCullum’s final year was marred by a thumping 4-1 Ashes defeat and stories ofoff-field ill-discipline. These included Harry Brook being punched by a nightclub bouncer hours before captaining the one-day international team in Wellington, and Stokes and Gus Atkinson staying out beyond the disputed midnight curfew after the Lord’s win over New Zealand in June. Root has been paired with Stephen Fleming, McCullum’s former New Zealand team-mate, but he does not take charge until December’s tour of South Africa so Marcus Trescothick is in interim charge. Root said he and Fleming are in “constant contact, speaking almost every day”. Together, they havescrapped the curfew, saying players would have to be better at “self-policing”. “You always want to represent your country in the best possible light,” Root said. “We might have fallen short of that on a few occasions in the recent past. The only [way] to rectify that is be really good role models, good human beings and put in really strong performances on the field. That does take time and the first opportunity is this week.” Going against recent policy, England will wait until the toss to name their team. Aside from the injured Jacob Bethell, they have a clean bill of health and are expected to name a four-pronged pace attack, with Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer sharing the new ball and Atkinson and Josh Tongue the change options, three days after they won the Hundred with Manchester Super Giants. Having taken the captaincy, Root will move from first slip – where he has fielded for the last eight years – to mid-off. England have made three changes, with Jordan Cox in at No 3, Dan Lawrence entrusted to bat six with Stokes retired, and Robinson coming in for Shoaib Bashir, who has been squeezed out. Pakistan suffered a blow on the eve of the Test when it was confirmed that captain Babar Azam would miss the match with a swollen hand. In his absence, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha leads the team for the first time. Shan Masood is fit again after injury, while Saud Shakeel also returns. Root said he would not “rip up” the work done under McCullum, but promised not to try to emulate Stokes. “One of the big challenges is not trying to be Ben Stokes,” he said. “He is a unique player with unbelievable qualities that I don’t think are easy to replicate. I don’t think there is any point trying to. Understanding things have changed, it is going to have a slightly different look to it but that is OK. “There has been a lot of good stuff that has happened in the past four years that will serve us really well. It is about not ripping it up, just fine-tuning and evolving and taking that to the next level. He did a phenomenal job throughout his tenure and will go down as a brilliant Test player. We have got to find a way of evolving the team without him. “I don’t think there is a huge amount we need to change. It is small things that will make a big difference. It’s not about ripping it up. It’s about keeping a lot of the good stuff Ben and Baz built for a long while, but making small adjustments that will make a big difference. “I don’t believe there is a style or one way of playing Test cricket. You have to be adaptable and play the situation and the different tempos of the game. It’s never the same through five days. There are different challenges, and you have to adjust to the ebbs and flows throughout that.” Root has captained England in 65 Tests, more than any other man, and ended his first spell in charge having developed a “very unhealthy relationship” with the job. Including defeat standing in for Stokes at the Oval in June, Root has won just one of his last 18 Tests in charge, but is optimistic that he can use his experience. “In many ways I feel as ready as any England captain that has been before,” he said. “To have that amount of experience is invaluable. I am very fortunate that I have 60-odd games of experience to look back on, things I might want to change and do slightly differently, then have the time to step away, play under a different environment under a different coach.” Asked whether this was a new era, Root urged his team to not look too far ahead. “It is new,” he said. “There has been a lot of change, but that is OK. That is not anything to worry us. We should be excited about what lies ahead in this series and being really absorbed in these three games, celebrating the talent we have within there.” Root can transform his legacy by winning the Ashes to be remembered not only as a great batsman but also as a fine captain. It is with that in mind that he begins hissecond spellas permanent Test captain with very little to lose and everything to gain. Through a combination of a lack of alternatives and his own longevity, Root has bucked a near 40-year trend by having another crack at captaincy. The last was David Gower in 1989. Root’s own sense of duty and an unexpected chance to be an Ashes-winning captain, which would fill the one hole in his career, was too much to resist whenBen Stokes stepped down. To start again at his home ground, against Pakistan, should make him feel even more comfortable, surrounded by friends and an adoring public. This could be his last Headingley Test too, the ground is not on the rota again until 2029, by which time Root will be 38. He was relaxed and realistic in his first press conference since his reappointment. He did not over-promise or declare a revolutionary new era, just that he would be taking the good bits of Bazball and add a dash of common sense, something that started last week bylifting the curfew. He admitted they needed to win back the public after trust was lost in the final 12 months of the Brendon McCullum-Stokes era, which is done by being a bit more professional and less dogmatic or obsessed about style. The prize in 12 months’ time is beating Australia, something that eluded Root in his three series as captain, one at home and two away. If he does it, he can rewrite his image as a captain. If he fails, well, at least he had a go and stepped up when England needed a grown-up in the room. Leadership looked a chore in the past for Root. Whereas Stokes was generally before the game, Root always felt a move behind. He won more Tests than anyone else, 28, but had more opportunities, captaining England 64 times (plus the recent Oval Test). If you want to be harsh, he is on a run of one win in 18 Tests – his last victory at Headingley against India in 2021. This time he is more experienced and if he takes the good parts of the Stokes-McCullum years – such as the first instinct being to try to win rather than avoid losing, and be more refined and collegiate so it is not one way or the highway – then he has a chance. He has a younger team this time without Stuart Broad and James Anderson leading the attack or contemporaries such as Jos Buttler, Stokes or Jonny Bairstow in the side. Everyone in this team sees Root as a legendary player, and he is more comfortable in his own skin. In Stephen Fleming, he has a coach he can start afresh with. Fleming is not here, but they are in “daily contact” and you sense the pair will click on a personal level. “There is not a huge amount we need to change. Just small things that will make a big difference,” Root said. “It is not about ripping it up, but keeping the good stuff we have been doing for a long period of time and making small adjustments in game, giving clarity and putting those in place.” The style of play can come later. England need to win a series and do so convincingly. It feels like a good time to play Pakistan but they will say the same about England, fresh as they are from the chaos of the end of Bazball and a teamtransitioning from the Hundred to Test cricket in just more than 48 hours. Sometimes under Bazball it was hard to tell the difference between the Hundred and Test cricket. This time the worry is about bowlers upping their workload without adequate preparation just as much as batsmen going from six-hitting to leaving the ball. On paper, this is a series betweentwo poorly performing Test sides. Pakistan won their first Test overseas for three years when they drew 1-1 in the West Indies recently while England have not won a series since the end of 2024. Pakistan have been hit hard by captain Babar Azam’s absence with injury, sustained in the match against a County XI last week. It has forced a rejig of the middle order and Salman Ali Agha, the Twenty20 captain, will lead the Test side for the first time. In Mohammad Abbas, he has a master of overcast Headingley conditions which are likely this week as the heatwave breaks in time for the resumption of Test cricket. Root has a near-full-strength team to choose from. Jofra Archer and Ollie Robinson will share the new ball, with Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue making up an all-seam attack that is at a good stage. It has enough experience (more than the attack Root had at the Oval recently) but is not set in its ways. England do not have a spinner, the balance of the side disrupted by Stokes’s retirement. InsteadDan Lawrence will be the all-rounderin the loosest sense of the word. Batting at No 6 suits him as will the toning down of the rhetoric in the dressing room. Positive players such as Lawrence, Harry Brook and Ben Duckett need encouragement to play their way, but also a reminder to keep the bigger picture in mind. Jordan Cox at No 3 is the biggest unknown. He has only batted there once in first-class cricket, generally playing at four for Essex, but he has earned his place through a weight of runs in the county game. He did show some patience in his two innings on debut during the mess of the Oval Test against New Zealand and there is symmetry that this chance has come through injury to Jacob Bethell, who earned his debut when Cox broke a finger before a series in New Zealand. Bethell looked the part immediately at No 3 and Cox would give England some batting depth if he does the same against Pakistan. For all Root’s talk of staying in the here and now, building a squad is his first challenge. Recommended Copy link twitter facebook whatsapp email

After England's win inside three days in the first Test of the series against Pakistan, Ben Gardner and Katya Witney assess what can be learnt from the one-sided affair. Batters miss chance to take pole in bat-off Collectively, England can be pleased with their work with the bat. But two in particular may rue not taking the chance to cash in when centuries were as there for the taking as they can be in Test cricket. Jordan Cox had already had a life when he edged Ali Usman to slip, and looked so distraught he pointlessly took a review with him. Dan Lawrence had just eased past fifty in his first Test in two years when he stuck one up in the air. He has not made a Test hundred, and has already felt the pain of letting one go begging, having fallen for 91 on a flat Barbados track in 2022. Such chances are hard won. Particularly so now, with Stephen Fleming due to take charge in the winter, and facing questions over how to balance his team and with whom. When Jacob Bethell returns and Sam Curran is back fit, there will be a conundrum. Cox and Lawrence helped England win the game, but missed out on winning their place for the foreseeable. BG Four quicks can work Fielding four quicks without a specialist spinner is a stop-gap to paper of Ben Stokes' absence in favourable conditions at a ground which suits that balance. However, the execution from England’s pace attack showed that strategy works when used correctly. Robinson was the star, following up his absence from the second two New Zealand Tests with yet another reminder of why he’s England’s best new ball Test bowler. Rather than pace, it’s Robinson’s pinpoint line and length that’s the point of difference in this attack, with Archer and Tongue’s fire, combined with Atkinson’s miserlyness, adding up to a well structured pack. There will be scenarios and conditions where it won’t work, and England will need to be flexible. But, this was the perfect setting to show how strong this particular combination can be. KW Root captaincy re-debut goes well While the broader picture of what Root’s second act will have to wait, there were nuggets scattered throughout this Test which showed some detail. After his one off at The Oval, where he half committed to a version of Bazball which saw England thumped by New Zealand, albeit in challenging circumstances, he was sharper at Headingley. The plan concocted to put himself at leg slip to draw in Azan Awais was perfectly executed, and he was decisive in whipping Archer out of the attack after two overs when he didn’t keep up the pressure on day one. There are plenty of questions still to answer, and the one conclusive learning we have from this game is that England will face much tougher challenges. But this series is a chance for Root to get his feet back under the table before the hard work starts. At Headingley, he earned the right to stretch his legs a little. KW Snubbed Brook knuckles down A year ago, Harry Brook made 99 at Headingley, missing a Test ton on his home ground by one run. He survived a scare early, a Jasprit Bumrah no-ball reprieving him on the second innings. Then he played the kind of innings only he can play, frantic, thrilling, invaluable. He made two hundreds in the series as well as the 99 and still left England fans with heads in hands, such is the Brook way. Now, overlooked as Ben Stokes’ replacement as Test captain, he played an innings that bore several hallmark of his last Headingley effort, but which also felt different. There was another early chance, an edge Salman Ali Agha’s nail in the slips. The scoring rate remained rapid, hovering at a run a ball throughout. He couldn’t quite get that hundred, and will have to wait until 2029 to do so. But there was an extra hint of responsibility. Early boundaries came almost exclusively behind square, tucked down leg or glided away. It was only when well past fifty that the true aggression came out, flat-batting down the ground to signal a change of intent. With the keeper up, he looked neither restrained nor frustrated. This was as close to a normal Test innings as you can get from Brook, and he was still by a distance the best player on show. BG Limit to learnings due to Pakistan failings The ultimate takeaway from this game is that every one of the above learnings is caveated by how diabolically bad Pakistan were. While plenty could be picked apart from both of their batting collapses and how toothless their bowling attack appeared for large swathes of the game, the true reflection of their current state can be seen in the multiple incidents of lacking game awareness. Beyond the dropped catches, boundaries conceded from stopping balls with feet, Mohammad Rizwan’s decision to take a single off the first ball of the over, seven wickets down with two genuine rabbits to come, was the most heinous failing of the lot. Much will be dissected over the state of Pakistani cricket in the coming weeks, and blame cannot fall entirely at the feet of the players on the field. Those are for stopping cricket balls with, anyway. KW Follow Wisden for all cricket updates, including live scores, match stats, quizzes and more. Stay up to date with the latest cricket news, player updates, team standings, match highlights, video analysis and live match odds.