Robinson and Tongue each take five as ball is cut in half at Headingley

Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each claimed five wickets on the opening day of England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley on 19 August 2026, and a cricket ball was cut in half so the pair could share the souvenir after the tourists were bowled out for 171.

Robinson’s appearance at Headingley was his first Test since playing against New Zealand at Lord’s, his comeback after two years out of the team. A knee problem ruled him out of the second Test of that New Zealand series and he was left out at Trent Bridge for Ben Stokes’ final hurrah; England lost both matches and the series. “It was frustrating not to be able to play at the Oval,” said Robinson. “Since then I’ve just worked really hard on a bit more fitness and a bit more skill so it’s nice when it comes off on days like today.”

A member of the Headingley ground staff solved the souvenir dilemma by sawing a ball in half so Robinson and Tongue could each keep a piece. Robinson displayed his half in his post-match press conference and said: “You don’t really have too many halves of cricket balls, so it’ll be something that we never forget.”

Robinson finished with five for 51 and took a wicket with the first ball of the series; Pakistan were dismissed for 171. The match figures for Tongue were likewise five wickets, contributing to England’s control on the opening day.

Robinson highlighted the strength of England’s pace options, naming Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson as members of the seam group selected for the Test. He said: “The four guys that played today – it’s a really exciting time for English cricket. You’ve got a few other lads in the background that can also come in and do the same job. I can’t remember a time in English cricket where you’ve got seven, eight, fit fast bowlers to choose from for a series.”

England closed day one on 112 for two as they begin life again under Joe Root’s captaincy.