Saud Shakeel missed a chance to overturn an LBW decision after failing to signal for a Decision Review System (DRS) review within the 15-second limit on the opening day. The left-handed batter would have survived had he reviewed in time during the first Test against England at Headingley in Leeds.
Pakistan endured a difficult opening day after being bowled out for 171 in 48.1 overs following Joe Root's decision to bowl first. England's pace attack made the most of the conditions, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue each picking up five wickets. England finished the day on 112/2, trailing by just 59 runs.
Saud Shakeel Misses DRS Review as 15-Second Timer Runs Out
WHAT A HEARTBREAK FOR SAUD SHAKEEL! 💔
— Usman (@UsmanOffical56) August 19, 2026
He ran out of time to review, and the ball was eventually shown to be missing the stumps! 😭
That one is going to hurt! 💔🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/LUcu4OrNPH
The incident occurred on the fifth delivery of the 36th over. Ollie Robinson, bowling from round the wicket, delivered a good-length ball that angled into the stumps. Saud Shakeel moved forward to defend but played down the wrong line and was struck high on the front pad.
After a loud appeal, on-field umpire Allahudien Paleker took his time before raising his finger. Saud Shakeel then had a lengthy discussion with his batting partner about taking a review. However, before he could make the 'T' signal, umpire Chris Gaffaney confirmed that the 15-second review timer had expired.
Saud Shakeel had to walk back to the pavilion, giving Robinson his third wicket of the innings. Ball-tracking showed that the delivery would have passed over the leg stump. Saud Shakeel would have successfully overturned the decision and stayed at the crease had he requested the review within the allotted time.
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue Run Through Pakistan's Batting
After Joe Root won the toss and chose to bowl, Pakistan suffered an early blow as Ollie Robinson trapped Azan Awais lbw for a golden duck with the first ball of the Test. Shan Masood perished for 8, with Robinson repeatedly hitting a full length and making the most of the movement.
Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique then steadied the innings and handled the early movement well. The pair added useful runs through the afternoon before Josh Tongue broke the partnership by dismissing Imam for 42. Shafique was dismissed after reaching his half-century.
Those wickets opened the door for England's bowlers, and Pakistan's lower order could not resist the pressure. The visitors were bowled out for 171 in 48.1 overs after a near two-hour rain delay. Robinson finished with 5/51, while Tongue took 5/46, including four wickets for five runs in 11 deliveries.
Joe Root and Jordan Cox Put England in Control
England made a positive start to their reply, with Emilio Gay taking the attacking approach alongside Ben Duckett. Pakistan fought back by removing both openers in successive overs, leaving England at 48/2. Jordan Cox came to the crease at No. 3 in place of the injured Jacob Bethell.
Cox joined returning captain Joe Root, who began his second stint as England's Test skipper. Root remained composed despite Pakistan's brief fightback, while Cox settled in at the other end. The pair avoided further damage and gradually put England in a strong position.
Root and Cox added an unbeaten 64-run partnership before stumps. Root finished the day on 36*, while Cox remained unbeaten on 23. England reached 112/2 at the close, trailing Pakistan by only 59 runs and taking control of the opening day.
Also read: ECB releases 5 England players to County Championship during Pakistan Test
