Watch: English singer Laura Wright wows crowd with Pakistan national anthem

On Wednesday, English soprano Laura Wright entranced the audience at Headingley with a captivating a cappella rendition of Pakistan’s national anthem, setting a triumphant tone for the first Test between England and Pakistan. Wright’s performance added a beautiful start to this Test series, as England began their opening day strongly. The match commenced under overcast conditions, with England's bowlers making an immediate impact.

Ollie Robinson, one of England's fast bowlers, dismissed Azan Awais for a duck on the very first ball of the series, prompting a review that was ultimately upheld. In a remarkable display of skill, Robinson and Josh Tongue then partnered to bowl Pakistan out for a mere 171 runs. The duo claimed five wickets each, with Robinson contributing 5-51 and Tongue adding 5-46 to their individual scores.

Robinson's early burst accounted for four of Pakistan’s top-order batters, while Tongue continued the momentum and sealed the innings.

England concluded the day on 112-2, with Joe Root holding firm at 37 not out on his home ground in Yorkshire. The hosts trail by 59 runs heading into the second day of the Test. The extraordinary five-wicket hauls of Robinson and Tongue prompted a unique souvenir moment, as the pair requested a member of the groundstaff to cut the match ball in half so each could keep a piece.

"As we were walking off, Tongue said, 'I think we should split it'. I was like, 'yeah, we should actually do that, I think it’d be quite cool'," Robinson later remarked. "Within five minutes they brought it back up and it was done. It’s one of those things that you don’t really have too many halves of … half a cricket ball. It’s something we’ll never forget really and it’s not too often two guys get five in the same innings, so it’s a nice gesture and something to remember."

The performance by Robinson, who returned to the England side after a lengthy absence, was a strong display. He had last played for England earlier this summer, contributing a career-best seven wickets against New Zealand in June before a knee injury ruled him out of the second Test. Tongue also contributed to the memorable day, solidifying his place in the England squad.

The two fast bowlers expressed their satisfaction with their performances, with Robinson recently becoming a father for the second time. "We had the newborn last Thursday at 2am so I’ve been catching up on my sleep since I got to the hotel in Leeds," Robinson shared. "But it was a really special week last week having another baby and it almost makes today even sweeter."