England Sets New Record with 823 Runs Against Pakistan in Multan

In a remarkable display of batting prowess, England's cricket team has made history during the ongoing first Test match against Pakistan in Multan. On the fourth day of the match, England's captain, Ollie Pope, declared the team's first innings at an astonishing total of 823 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. This monumental score not only set a new record for the highest innings total against Pakistan but also marked a significant milestone in Test cricket history.

The previous record for the highest innings total against Pakistan had stood for an impressive 66 years, held by the West Indies, who scored 790 runs for 3 wickets back in 1958. England's achievement of surpassing this long-standing record is a testament to their exceptional batting skills and determination. Furthermore, this innings is notable as it is the first time in the 21st century that a team has crossed the 800-run mark in a Test innings. The last team to achieve such a feat was Sri Lanka, who set the world record with a score of 952 for 6 against India in 1997.

England's total of 823 runs now ranks as the fourth-highest in the history of Test cricket, further solidifying their dominance on Pakistani soil. The highest Test score ever recorded remains Sri Lanka's 952-6. By the time Pope declared the innings, England had established a commanding lead of 267 runs, with Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse remaining unbeaten on 17 and 9 runs, respectively.

During the morning session of Day 4, England's batters continued their relentless assault, accumulating 166 runs without losing a single wicket. By the time lunch arrived, the team had reached a formidable score of 658 for 3, leaving Pakistan's bowlers struggling to contain the onslaught. Joe Root, who played a pivotal role in England's innings, was eventually dismissed for a remarkable 262 runs off 375 balls, featuring 17 boundaries. His dismissal came in the second session when he was trapped lbw by Salman Ali Agha.

Harry Brook, who had already been in excellent form, partnered with Jamie Smith to add 75 runs in just 49 balls. Brook reached his maiden triple-century with a stylish four off Saim Ayub, becoming only the sixth English player to achieve this remarkable milestone. He took 310 balls to reach 317 runs, which included 32 boundaries and three sixes. Smith contributed 31 runs off 24 balls before being dismissed by Naseem Shah, while Gus Atkinson followed Brook to the pavilion after falling to Saim Ayub.

As England declared their innings, Woakes and Carse added a further 24 runs, leaving Pakistan with a daunting task ahead. For Pakistan, Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah were the standout bowlers, each taking two wickets, while Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, and Salman Ali Agha contributed with one wicket each.

This historic innings by England not only highlights their batting strength but also sets the stage for an exciting contest in the remainder of the Test match. As cricket fans, we can only hope that Pakistan rises to the challenge and provides a competitive response. The game of cricket is full of surprises, and with the right mindset, anything is possible on the field.