Robinson storms back for England by ripping through Pakistan at Headingley

Seamer Ollie Robinson delivered a standout performance during the first day of the Test series between England and Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday. The match was initially interrupted by rain, which forced a three-hour postponement. Despite this setback, Robinson made an immediate impact by taking four wickets among the top five batters, including a first-ball wicket in the three-match series, an unprecedented occurrence at Headingley since 1880.

His first Test since June had been at Lord's, where he took a crucial 7-77 against New Zealand in his first Test in two years. Prior to Robinson's return, Josh Tongue had already achieved a hat-trick, dismissing Salman Agha and Ali Usman in consecutive deliveries. The other wickets fell to Robinson, whose first ball struck Azan Awais, followed by Shan Masood's dismissal.

Rain delayed the match for two hours, causing Imam to struggle in the afternoon. The Pakistani batsmen gradually found their rhythm, but by the time they reached 97-2, five wickets had fallen for just 53 runs. Shakeel, who had earlier scored a half-century, fell to Robinson, who also dismissed Agha and Usman in the final minutes before tea.

The late wickets and Shakeel's century helped England weather the storm and secure a crucial victory in the third Test, which marked the end of England's 2-1 series win.