England defeat Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs in first Test

England secured a decisive victory in the first Test against Pakistan, with the match concluding in just three days after the return of Joe Root to the captaincy. Root, who had been absent from the leadership role for the previous series, led the side from the outset, guiding England to a first‑innings lead of 150 runs. The hosts then dismissed Pakistan for 210, setting a modest target that England chased comfortably, finishing the match with a 250‑run win.

The win, achieved at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, marked a significant turnaround for England after a series of mixed results. Root’s leadership was credited with restoring discipline and focus, while key contributions from the batting lineup—particularly a century from Ben Stokes—were pivotal. The victory not only cemented England’s position at the top of the ICC Test rankings but also reinforced Root’s role as a stabilising force for the national side.