Josh Tongue believes 'brave' bowling helped England dismiss Pakistan cheaply in Leeds Test

England's fast bowlers dismantled Pakistan's batting order at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday, August 19, with Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson claiming five-wicket hauls to restrict the visitors to 171 after they were asked to bat first. The collapse came despite some resistance from Pakistan's middle order, leaving England in a commanding position as they began their reply.

Tongue finished with figures of 5-46 in Pakistan's first innings, claiming his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Robinson took 5-51 as England's bowling attack proved too much for the touring side on a challenging surface at the Yorkshire ground. The Pakistan innings began poorly when Robinson struck with the opening delivery, removing Azan Awais early in the piece.

Talking about England's approach, Tongue said the movement on offer made it imperative to keep targeting the stumps.

"Obviously it was nipping quite a bit this morning. Even with some of the balls they played and missed, it was going quite a lot," Tongue told broadcasters.

"So I think it was just being brave with your length. I think that was quite crucial on this wicket, and trying to keep the stumps in his play as much. I think the balls and LBW is going to be quite crucial towards the back end of this game," he added.

How Pakistan's middle order collapsed

Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq showed character, combining for a 91-run partnership for the third wicket to provide some stability. Shafique made 61 before Robinson removed him, while Imam-ul-Haq compiled 42 in a composed innings. The pair's resistance offered Pakistan a brief foothold in the match before England's bowlers reasserted control.

The Pakistan innings unravelled in the latter stages as England's bowlers tightened their grip. The tourists' last eight wickets fell for just 74 runs, exposing the fragility of their lower order against sustained bowling pressure from Tongue and Robinson.

England responded with the bat in their pursuit of a first-innings lead, reaching 112 for 2 at stumps with skipper Joe Root unbeaten on 37 and Jordan Cox on 23. Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay had been dismissed earlier in the England innings as the hosts moved into a commanding position in the match. England's strong batting performance suggests they could secure a substantial first-innings advantage over Pakistan.

Also Read: Josh Tongue becomes first bowler to reach 50 wickets in WTC 2025-27

Meanwhile, the first session of play on Day 2 has been washed out due to rain, as the players are waiting to return to action.