England pacers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue produced fiery spells to claim five wickets each, skittling Pakistan for 171 on the opening day of the Leeds Test.
England fast bowlers Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue received an interesting piece of memorabilia after causing havoc against Pakistan on the opening day of the Leeds Test. The English pace duo took five wickets each to dismantle their opposition, putting up a memorable performance.
After restricting Pakistan to just 171 on Wednesday, Robinson and Tongue agreed to do something unique to have a keepsake from the fixture by splitting the match ball into two clean halves, so that they could keep a piece.
Tongue, Robinson split ball in half after memorable spell
Speaking at the post-day press conference, Robinson revealed that it was his idea to split the match ball, and Tongue agreed. He added that it was a cool way to have a piece of memorabilia to recognise the feat they achieved.
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“We were walking off, and I was like, to Tonguey, I think we should split it.
“It’s one of those things, you don’t have too many half-of-cricket-balls, so it would be something we never forget. It’s not very often two guys get five-for in the same innings, so a nice gesture and something to remember.”
More from FirstcricketAccording to the ICC, it was the first time since 2006 when two England bowlers claimed five-wicket hauls in the same innings.
England overpower Pakistan on day oneย
On day one of the Leeds Test, the English pace attack obliterated the Pakistan batters. Opener Azan Awais was dismissed for a golden duck, while Shan Masood was brought down via LBW for just five runs.
Imam-ul-Haq brought some stability by scoring 42 off 74 deliveries.
Abdullah Shafique also attempted to fight back by delivering a competitive 61-run knock off 104 deliveries, but Robinson and Tongue unleashed mayhem with their bowling spell.
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No other Pakistani batter couldย respond to England’s bowling masterclass, restricting them to a mediocre 171. The hosts struck 112/2 at stumps on day one, and batters Jordan Cox and captain Joe Root would resume batting at 03:30 PM IST.