Joe Root's return as England Test captain marked a resounding success, leading to a three-day victory over Pakistan at Headingley. The match, which concluded before tea on Friday, highlighted both England's excellence and Pakistan's shortcomings, with the tourists struggling in batting, bowling, and fielding.

Despite some rain affecting the first two days, England's performance allowed Josh Tongue to enjoy his weekend off, while the match's rapid conclusion raised questions about the progress made by the home side. Key observations included:

• Joe Root showcased effective captaincy, achieving his record-extending 28th win. His tactical adjustments, such as positioning changes and the decision to withdraw Jofra Archer after ineffective overs, demonstrated a renewed focus.

• Harry Brook exhibited maturity in his batting approach, opting for a more restrained style rather than his usual aggressive shots. He capitalized on Pakistan's poor bowling, hinting at a promising future.

• England's middle-order depth was evident, with Jordan Cox and Dan Lawrence impressing in their innings, although questions about the long-term spin options remain.

Conversely, Pakistan's performance was disappointing, missing their captain Babar Azam and struggling in English conditions. With a lack of quality in both batting and bowling, the team appears set for a challenging series ahead. The absence of enthusiastic Pakistani fans further underscored the team's struggles.

As the series progresses, England looks confident while Pakistan must regroup to avoid further setbacks. The second Test at Lord's promises to be pivotal for both teams.