England start life after Bazball with rout of Pakistan

AFP | London

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England launched their post-Bazball era with an innings and 103-run thrashing of Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley yesterday.

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.

England pacemen Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson, who took all 10 wickets between them in Pakistan's meagre first-innings 171, once again did plenty of damage af-ter express quick Jofra Archer removed both openers.

The England trio took three wickets apiece yesterday.

Recalled seamer Robinson was named player of the match for his overall figures of 8-80, while Tongue finished with 8-89.

A comprehensive win with more than two days remaining was an ideal way for Joe Root to begin his second stint as full-time England Test captain.

Former skipper Ben Stokes retired from international duty after a series loss at home to New Zealand in June, shortly before Brendon McCullum was sacked as red-ball coach.

This was just England's third win in 11 Tests, albeit one achieved against a weak Pakistan side.

England, 366-8 overnight, posted 409 for a huge first-innings lead of 238.

Harry Brook (91), Jordan Cox (73), Root (66) and the recalled Dan Lawrence (51) all made fifties on Thursday without any of the England quartet going onto a hundred.

Pakistan left-arm spinner Ali Usman's 5-95 -- his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket -- was a rare highlight for the tourists.