England and Pakistan begin first men’s cricket Test at Headingley
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 9:05 AM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026
England and Pakistan are currently competing in the first men’s cricket Test at Headingley, live updates indicate play started at 11am BST. Early conditions are brisk at 18 degrees with possible showers later. The match marks a new era for England under captain Joe Root, who aims to implement a more disciplined style of cricket. Observers note that despite potential changes, England's approach may not significantly diverge from previous leadership under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. Live updates suggest strategies and performances are still unfolding.
- •Play started at 11am BST at Headingley.
- •Conditions are 18 degrees with showers expected.
- •Joe Root leads England into a new era of cricket.
- •Live updates report ongoing match strategies and performances.
- 9:05 AMThe Guardian Sport — England v Pakistan: first men’s cricket Test, day one – live
"Updates from Headingley; play starts 11am BST Ali Martin on ‘El Dysfunctiono’ | The Spin Heatwave my arse! It’s a brisk 18 degrees at Headingley, with a chance of showers later in the day. We should stress this is a meteorological term, not a comment on England being a shower of the absolute variety. And now for something completely different. A new era starts at Headingley today, one in which England will play sober, wiser cricket. Some will say this is all tish and fipsy, that Joe Root and Stephen Fleming’s England won’t be that different to Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s team. They’d be right, but a) John Cleese never uttered the phrase “and now for something partially different” and b) the branding and image of Root’s team, the thing that really matters in modern life, will be completely different. Continue reading...
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