Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue delivered match-winning five-wicket hauls on the opening day of England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, steering the hosts into a commanding position.
Pakistan were bowled out for 171, giving England the upper hand on the first day, and the match ball was subsequently split in half so that Robinson and Tongue could each keep a piece as a souvenir.
Robinson and Tongue Share Match Ball Souvenir
The split-ball idea is said to have originated with Robinson after both men took five wickets. Opting to share the souvenir, England team manager Wayne Bentley coordinated with the groundstaff, who divided the ball into two pieces in approximately five minutes. Both bowlers were then handed their respective halves.
In an interview with Test Match Special, Tongue explained how the concept came about, admitting he had never seen anything like it and was already pondering where to display his half of the historic souvenir.
“Robinson proposed splitting the ball. The groundstaff kindly divided it. It’s the first time I’ve witnessed such a thing, and I’m certain I’ll display it somewhere,” Tongue said.
Video Highlights:
So, what did they do with the match ball?
A simple solution to a unique problem!
Click below for the full interview:
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 19, 2026
England Pacers Dominate Pakistan on Day 1
The split ball served as a fitting memento after Robinson and Tongue produced one of England’s most impressive bowling displays in recent memory. Robinson struck with the very first delivery, dismissing Azan Awais, before adding Pakistan captain Shan Masood to underline England’s early dominance.
Tongue then targeted Pakistan’s middle and lower order, stifling any recovery as the visitors collapsed, losing their final eight wickets for just 74 runs. Robinson finished with figures of 5/51, while Tongue took 5/46. The pair became the first England bowlers to claim five-wicket hauls in the same innings since Steve Harmison and Monty Panesar against Pakistan at Old Trafford in 2006, and only the second England pairing in two decades to achieve the feat.
Joe Root’s Return Off to a Strong Start
Root began his second spell as England’s Test captain with an ideal start. Though Pakistan’s 171 initially appeared modest, England lost Ben Duckett and Emilio Gay in their reply. Root remained composed alongside Jordan Cox, however, helping the hosts recover. England finished the day at 112/2, just 59 runs behind Pakistan’s first innings, and left the opening day in a commanding position.
