Joe Root's second stint as England's Test captain began with a calm approach, as Pakistan were bowled out for 171 on day one at Headingley. Root, who won the toss, took advice from Harry Brook and adopted a hands-off style with his bowlers.
Ollie Robinson, who made his debut under Root in 2021, was a key performer, taking 5-51. Root positioned himself at mid-off, a tactic used by previous captains, to control the flow of the game and communicate with his bowlers.
Root had previously stated, "One of the big challenges is not trying to be Ben Stokes," and his captaincy reflected this, with less direct intervention than his predecessor. Harry Brook, who was also a candidate for the captaincy, provided tactical input, suggesting a reinforced gully region early in the innings.