Ollie Robinson and Kapil Dev (Source: AFP)
England got the perfect start against Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds on Day 1. Ollie Robinson dismissed opener Azan Awais on the very first ball of the match. The wicket gave England an early advantage and also created a personal milestone for Robinson.
Awais became only the second Pakistan batter to be dismissed on the first ball of a Test match. In 1983, India's Kapil Dev removed Pakistan opener Mohsin Khan with the opening delivery.
How Did Ollie Robinson Trap Azan Awais In PAK vs ENG 1st Test?
To trap Azan Awais, the ace pacer Robinson came around the wicket and bowled a good-length delivery outside off stump. The ball moved sharply back into Awais after pitching and also stayed slightly low.
Awais attempted to play the delivery but did not make a confident stride forward. The ball beat his inside edge and struck him on the front pad. England immediately appealed, and he was given out.
However, the Pakistan opener reviewed the decision, and the UltraEdge showed no contact with the bat; hence, he departed without scoring any runs.
Also Read: Pakistan Player Makes Schoolboy Error; Drops Easiest Catch In PAK Vs PCC XI Test Match
Ollie Robinson Breaks Kapil Dev's 43-Year-Old Record In 1st Test vs PAK
It is important to mention that with this wicket, Robinson's broke Kapil Dev’s 43-year-old record. The former Indian all-rounder's record dates back to 1983 when he dismissed Mohsin Khan with the first ball of the Test in Jalandhar.
Pakistan Batters To Be Dismissed On The First Ball Of A Test Match:
- Mohsin Khan vs India, Jalandhar, 1983 (Kapil Dev)
- Azan Awais vs England, Leeds, 2026 (Ollie Robinson), This Innings*
England Bowlers To Take A Wicket On The First Ball Of The Test Match:
- Maurice Tate vs Australia, Leeds, 1926 (Warren Bardsley)
- Geoffrey Arnold vs India, Birmingham, 1974 (Sunil Gavaskar)
- Geoffrey Arnold vs New Zealand, Christchurch, 1975 (John Morrison)
- Ryan Sidebottom vs West Indies, Chester-Le-Street, 2007 (Darren Ganga)
- James Anderson vs South Africa, Centurion, 2019 (Dean Elgar)
- Ollie Robinson vs Pakistan, Leeds, 2026 (Azan Awais), This Innings*
Apart from dismissing Pakistan opener Azan Awais, the 32-year-old also took the wicket of Shan Masood.
Earlier, talking about the PAK vs ENG 1st Test, the Three Lions won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pakistan have had a horrendous start, losing two early wickets at just 23 runs in 9.4 overs before the rain stopped the game.
Why Ollie Robinson Is An Important Player For England In 1st Test vs Pakistan?
Considering the overcast weather conditions at Headingley, Leeds, for the PAK vs ENG 1st Test, Ollie Robinson is an important player for the team.
Taking a look at England’s bowling unit among Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, and Josh Tongue, Robinson is the the only swing bowler and the rest of the pacers in the line-up are seam bowlers.
Another factor that makes him a crucial bowler is his ability to move the ball the both ways.
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