Robinson and Tongue's five-wicket hauls give Root ideal start as England dominates Pakistan

At Headingley on Wednesday, Joe Root began his second tenure as England captain with a day that felt almost too generous — his bowlers, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue, dismantling Pakistan for 171 before England steadied themselves to 112 for two in reply. The performance arrived at a fragile moment for English cricket, with Ben Stokes retired, the coaching staff in transition, and a recent record of only two wins in ten Tests demanding urgent renewal. In sport as in life, the right beginning does not guarantee the journey ahead, but it does quiet the loudest doubts — and for one day at least,