Josh Tongue Reveals How England’s ‘Brave’ Approach Triggered Pakistan’s Batting Collapse

Josh Tongue Explains England’s ‘Brave’ Bowling Plan That Put Pakistan On The Back Foot

Josh Tongue credited England’s willingness to attack with disciplined lengths for their commanding bowling performance against Pakistan on the opening day of the Headingley Test. England dismissed Pakistan for 171 before closing on 112/2, putting themselves in a strong position.

Tongue was the standout bowler, finishing with 5/53. He said the movement available under overcast conditions made it important for England’s fast bowlers to keep the stumps in play.

“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.”

England Make Early Inroads

England opted to bowl after winning the toss, with the conditions offering plenty of assistance to the seamers. Ollie Robinson made an immediate impact by removing Azan Awais with the first ball before dismissing Shan Masood soon afterwards.

Pakistan were reduced to 14/2 before Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq rebuilt the innings with a 91-run partnership for the third wicket.

The pair negotiated the conditions effectively for a period, but England regained control after Imam was dismissed for 48. Robinson then removed Shafique for 47, triggering another Pakistan collapse.

Robinson Shines On Test Return

Robinson was instrumental in England’s success on his return to Test cricket, taking 5/42 for his fifth five-wicket haul in the format. His opening-ball wicket immediately put Pakistan under pressure, while his dismissal of Masood in his third over compounded the visitors’ problems.

Rain later interrupted play and forced an early lunch, providing Pakistan with some relief. Shafique and Imam resumed after the break and appeared to have steadied the innings before Tongue broke the partnership by finding Imam’s edge.

Saud Shakeel’s dismissal added to Pakistan’s woes. He was given out lbw to Robinson but did not review the decision within the allotted time. Ball-tracking subsequently indicated that the delivery would have missed leg stump.

Tongue Cleans Up Pakistan’s Lower Order

Tongue became increasingly effective as the innings progressed and produced one of the deliveries of the day when he generated sharp movement back into the batter at around 91mph to hit the stumps.

Pakistan collapsed from 97/2 to 171 all out, losing their final eight wickets for just 74 runs. Tongue claimed his fourth Test five-wicket haul, while Robinson’s 5/42 meant England had two bowlers take five wickets each in the same innings.

The fast bowler also said he was satisfied with his physical condition despite the short turnaround from The Hundred to Test cricket. “Yeah, body’s all good. It’s obviously a very quick turnaround. But it’s been quite nice to have Gus in the same dressing room as me,” Tongue said.

He added that England had focused on maintaining sufficient bowling workloads before the Test and completing additional preparation.

England Build First-Innings Advantage

England also lost Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay during their reply, but Joe Root and Jordan Cox steadied the innings. The hosts finished the day at 112/2, just 59 runs behind Pakistan’s first-innings score.

With the pitch continuing to offer assistance to the seamers, England will look to build on their advantage and establish a substantial first-innings lead when play resumes.