Root: England’s bowlers don’t know how good they can be

Joe Root was thrilled by the performances of his bowlers as England’s pace attack dismissed Pakistan for 135 before tea, to seal a statement three-day victory in the first Test at Headingley.

Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in 48.1 overs on day one, with England responding with an insuperable 409, as they romped their way to victory by an innings and 103 runs, in what was a dream start for Root in his second spell as captain.

On day three, Ollie Robinson (3-29), Jofra Archer (3-50) and Josh Tongue (3-43) seized full advantage of a worn Headingley pitch as they took three wickets apiece, while Gus Atkinson (1-11) followed up with a wicket of his own.

Root hailed his bowlers after the victory, claiming they “don’t know just how good they can be”.

“I don’t think our bowlers understand well that they complement each other in these conditions, and what they’re capable of doing,” the Yorkshireman said.

“It’s really nice for them to see that and to start the series like that.”

Archer, who went wicketless in Pakistan’s first innings, got England off to a flying start, dismissing both Pakistan openers, Azan Awais and Imam-ul-Haq inside four overs.

Tongue and Robinson were prolific throughout the match, with both completing eight-wicket hauls.

Robinson, the pick of the bowlers, has now won man-of-the-match awards in the two Tests he has played this summer, and Root hailed the 32-year-old for his ability to keep threatening Pakistan’s batters late into the match.

“I thought Robinson was brilliant,” Root said.

“The fact that he’s still as effective in the second innings, having bowled 18 overs, and his understanding of what his requirements are in different phases of the game is important.

“For him to be effective as the pitch changed throughout and to consistently keep asking difficult questions is a really good sign for us.”

‘It’s always important to win a Test match’

After a chaotic few months, following the departures of former captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, Root, who was trapped lbw for 66 on day two, stressed the importance of the victory.

But he added England were eager to “not get too carried away”.

“It’s always important to win a Test match,” Root said.

“You’re playing for England, right? It’s what you set out to do every time you walk out on to that field.

“It’s more the fact that we delivered on everything we spoke about, that’s the most pleasing thing and the most enjoyable thing about all of it.

“There’s also an understanding that this is one game; there’s going to be other challenges and different things to manage. That’s the exciting part, and it’s taking the confidence from this and being skilful to deal with that next thing, which will be Lord’s.”

After returning to captain England following a four-year hiatus, Root said things were different this time around.

“It was quite easy on occasion to leave Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad to it,” Root said, reflecting on his previous spell as captain. “Very experienced, they knew how they were going to operate.

“There’s a lot of different things this time round.

“I’m very different as well. With everything going on around the Test match it was important to give as much clarity and simplicity to what we were trying to achieve and we delivered on that brilliantly.”

Root in contact with Fleming every day

Root also revealed incumbent England head coach Stephen Fleming has been in contact with him “every day”.

Fleming will not take up the new role until after England’s three-match series against Pakistan.

“He’s kept tabs on things,” Root said.

“It’s just been great to have him on the end of the phone and I can speak to him as much or as little as I like.

“It’s great that he’s very invested already in what we’re trying to achieve and there’s been constant communication with Marcus Trescothick and me.”

Watch day one of the second Test between England and Pakistan, at Lord’s, live on Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Thursday (11am first ball). Stream cricket and more contract-free with NOW.

England vs Pakistan Test series schedule

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