LEEDS – England won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the opening Test of the three-match series at Headingley on Wednesday.

England captain Joe Root opted to bowl first, handing Pakistan the task of setting the tone with the bat on what will be an important opening day of the series.

Pakistan are being led by Salman Ali Agha in the absence of regular Test captain Babar Azam, who is sidelined due to injury. Salman will be responsible for guiding the side through the first Test as Pakistan seek a strong start to the series.

The Pakistani batting line-up will be expected to withstand England’s bowling attack and build a strong first-innings total after being asked to bat first. The opening partnership and the performance of the middle order are likely to play a key role in determining Pakistan’s prospects in the match.

The decision to field first reflects England’s preference to make early use of the conditions and put pressure on Pakistan’s top order.

The three-Test series is expected to provide a major challenge for both teams, with Pakistan looking to compete strongly away from home while England will aim to take an early lead.

With the toss decided and Pakistan sent in to bat, attention now turns to the opening exchanges in Leeds, where the visiting side will look to establish a solid foundation before England’s bowlers can gain control.

Playing XI:

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Azaan Owais, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Ali Usman, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.

England: Joe Root, Emily Guy, Ben Duckett, Jordan Cox, Harry Brook, Dean Larson, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue