Pakistan’s struggle to produce a strong opening partnership in England has now lasted 16 years. They have not had a 50-plus opening stand in their last 27 Test innings in England. Their last opening partnership of 50 or more came in 2010.The same problem returned in the first Test against England at Headingley in Leeds.
Openers fail again at Headingley
Pakistan could not get a good start in either innings.In the first innings, Azan Awais was dismissed for a duck by Ollie Robinson off the very first ball of the three-match series.Robinson got one to come back sharply from around the wicket and trapped Awais. He then dismissed Shan Masood for five in his third over, leaving Pakistan at 6-2.Pakistan’s second innings brought more disappointment. Imam-ul-Haq was dismissed for a duck by Jofra Archer, leaving Pakistan without another 50-plus opening stand.
Imam, Shafique offer brief hope
Pakistan did manage to recover in their first innings after the early damage.Following a two-hour rain delay, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique put together a 91-run stand for the third wicket. Imam scored 42, while Shafique made 61.However, Pakistan could not build on that partnership. They collapsed from 117-3 to 171 all out.England’s pace attack then finished the job, with Ollie Robinson taking 5-51 and Josh Tongue claiming 5-46.
England take control
England made an impressive start to the post-Bazball era as their bowlers dominated Pakistan on the opening day.After bowling Pakistan out for 171, England reached 112-2 at stumps and were only 59 runs behind.Joe Root, starting his second stint as England captain after Ben Stokes’ retirement, was unbeaten on 37. Jordan Cox was 23 not out.While England enjoyed a strong start, Pakistan’s long-standing opening problem remained.With no 50-plus opening partnership in their last 27 Test innings in England since 2010, Pakistan’s openers have a major challenge to overcome.
