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The first Test match between Pakistan and England in Multan witnessed a truly remarkable display of batting prowess, culminating in a dominant English victory. The fourth day of the match saw Harry Brook etch his name in the history books, becoming the first English batsman in 34 years to achieve a triple-century in Test cricket. Brook's exceptional innings of 317, coupled with Joe Root's equally impressive 262, shattered several records and propelled England towards a seemingly inevitable win.
The partnership between Brook and Root, amounting to 454 runs, stands as the fourth-highest ever for any wicket in Test cricket. This phenomenal stand was instrumental in England amassing a gargantuan total of 823-7 declared, the fourth-highest total ever recorded in Test history and England's highest since 1938. This astonishing feat resulted in a lead of 267 runs for England, a remarkable achievement considering Pakistan had posted a substantial 556 in their first innings.
The devastating effect of Brook and Root's partnership was evident from the moment Pakistan began their second innings. Chris Woakes struck early, dismissing Abdullah Shafique with the first ball of the innings, setting the tone for a relentless English bowling attack. As the day progressed, Pakistan crumbled under the weight of England's dominance, collapsing to 152-6 by tea. This left them still 115 runs short of forcing England to bat again, facing a humiliating defeat that seemed inevitable.
The sheer magnitude of England's lead made their victory almost a foregone conclusion. It was a testament to the extraordinary batting performances of Brook and Root, who had completely turned the tide of the match. The match, which was poised for a thrilling contest, ultimately became a display of English dominance, marked by record-breaking performances and a complete collapse of the Pakistani team. England's victory, while somewhat expected, was a resounding statement of their strength and determination, leaving a lasting mark on this historic Test match.
Source: Pakistan vs England: Harry Brook & Joe Root set up victory charge