HEADINGLEY — England bulldozed Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs inside three days in Leeds to get Joe Root’s second spell as captain off to the perfect start.

Starting the third morning of this first Test on 366 for eight, the hosts added 43 runs inside the first 36 minutes of the day to stretch their lead to 238.

Given Pakistan only managed 171 in their first innings, it always looked likely that they could crumble to a heavy defeat on this third day.

And so it came to pass as England’s bowlers, led by three wickets apiece for Josh Tongue, Ollie Robinson and Jofra Archer, feasted on loose, sloppy and cowardly batting to rout the tourists for 135.

Pakistan’s performance was so bad they have been derided by some as one of the worst touring teams to have come to these shores in the past 50 years.

This one-sided cakewalk that saw half of the second day lost to rain was completed in just 177 overs – less than two days of actual cricket. It tells us more about how bad Pakistan are rather than whether England are improving after a tough year that culminated in the departures of Ben Stokes as captain and Brendon McCullum as coach earlier this summer.

But Root, back leading the team on a full-time basis for the first time in four years, will not care.

Up for grabs at Lord’s next week is England’s first Test series win since December 2024. On the evidence of this match, it looks a formality.

England player ratings

Fell victim to a good ball from Mohammad Abbas as he fell for 15 in his only innings. Surely only a blip.

Scored 33 but this was the sixth time in seven innings he’s been caught behind the wicket. Inability to play confidently outside off-stump threatens place.

Looked the part during an eye-catching 73 from the unfamiliar position of No 3. Looks born for this level.

Captaincy was much more proactive than previously and batted well for 66, although he will be annoyed he didn’t convert it into a century.

Cashed in after being dropped on one. His 91 from 93 balls using a low-risk gameplan should be the template for him from now on.

Promising return after two years out of the team, scoring 51. But his dismissal attempting a slog sweep was ugly.

Kept well, especially standing up to the stumps. Only managed 25 with the bat but was left with the tail so had to play his shots.

Just like Lord’s in June, England look a better team with the seamer in it. His eight wickets here topped the seven he got there on a much more helpful pitch too.

Not at his best in the first innings as he came into this straight off the back of the Hundred. But did bowl well on final day, taking one for 11 from eight overs.

Off his game in the first innings, but was much improved in the second, taking three wickets to help hasten victory.

Destroyed Pakistan’s spirit on final day with three quick wickets after he’d hoovered up a first-innings five-fer.