Saturday, November 16, 2024 07:54 PM
England's Harry Brook scores a record 317 as Pakistan struggles at 23-1, facing a daunting 267-run deficit in Multan Test.
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, England's Harry Brook and Joe Root have etched their names into the annals of Test cricket history. Their remarkable performances in the first Test match against Pakistan in Multan have not only set records but have also put England in a commanding position. With Brook scoring a staggering 317 runs and Root contributing a monumental 262, England declared their innings at a colossal 823-7, establishing a daunting 267-run lead over Pakistan.
As the fourth day of the Test unfolded, Pakistan found themselves in dire straits, ending the day at 23-1, with their batting lineup crumbling under pressure. The home team struggled significantly, finishing the day at 152-6, still needing 115 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Agha Salman and Aamer Jamal showed some resistance, adding a crucial 70 runs for the seventh wicket, but the overall performance left much to be desired.
The match took a dramatic turn after England's bowlers capitalized on a flat pitch that had previously seen a staggering 1,379 runs scored for the loss of just 17 wickets. The partnership between Brook and Root was particularly noteworthy, as they combined for a record-setting 454 runs for the fourth wicket, surpassing the previous record of 411 runs set by Peter May and Colin Cowdrey in 1957.
Pakistan's batting woes continued as they faced England's bowling attack. The team lost key players early in their second innings, with captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saim Ayub all dismissed before the score reached 50. Despite a couple of dropped catches, the pressure mounted, leading to a swift collapse. The situation worsened when Mohammad Rizwan fell for just 10 runs, leaving Pakistan at 5-59.
Brook's innings was a masterclass in batting, as he reached his triple century off just 310 balls, hitting 29 fours and three sixes during his 439-minute stay at the crease. Root, on the other hand, fell just short of a triple century, being dismissed leg-before after a marathon innings that lasted over 10 hours. His performance was equally impressive, featuring 17 boundaries.
As the match progresses, Pakistan's chances of avoiding an innings defeat appear slim. The absence of frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was sidelined due to illness, has further complicated matters for the home team. With the fifth day looming, Pakistan must regroup and find a way to salvage their innings.
This Test match serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by teams in high-pressure situations. While England's batting lineup has showcased exceptional skill and determination, Pakistan's struggles highlight the importance of resilience and adaptability in cricket. As fans eagerly await the final day, one can only hope for a spirited comeback from the home side, making this match a memorable contest in the world of cricket.