Root And Brook Propel England Past 600 Runs In Multan Test

MULTAN: In a remarkable display of batting prowess, England's Joe Root and Harry Brook both achieved double centuries, propelling their team to a staggering total of 823 runs for the loss of seven wickets in the first Test against Pakistan. This monumental effort has left Pakistan struggling at 152 for 6 at the end of Day 4, with the home side facing a daunting challenge to save the match.

The day began with England resuming their innings at 492 for 3, and they quickly added 166 runs without losing a wicket in the morning session. Root, who had been batting solidly, reached a remarkable score of 262 runs off 375 balls, hitting 17 boundaries. His innings came to an end when he was dismissed lbw by Salman Ali Agha. Following Root's departure, Brook took charge, forming a swift partnership with Jamie Smith that yielded 75 runs in just 49 balls.

Brook's innings was nothing short of spectacular. He reached his maiden triple-century, scoring 317 runs off 322 balls, which included 32 boundaries and three sixes. This achievement made him the sixth English player to score a triple-century in Test cricket. However, his innings was cut short when he was dismissed by Saim Ayub, who also claimed the wicket of Gus Atkinson in the same over.

Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain the English batsmen, with Saim Ayub and Naseem Shah each taking two wickets. The home side's bowling attack, which had previously shown promise, found it difficult to cope with the relentless onslaught from the English batsmen. As a result, Pakistan was left reeling, trailing by 115 runs at the end of the day.

In their second innings, Pakistan faced an immediate setback as opener Abdullah Shafique was dismissed for a duck on the very first ball he faced. This early wicket set the tone for a challenging innings, with Pakistan quickly finding themselves at 82 for 6. However, a resilient partnership between Salman Ali Agha and Aamir Jamal provided a glimmer of hope, as they managed to put together a fighting stand of 70 runs.

As the final day approaches, Pakistan will need to dig deep to overcome a significant deficit. The team will rely heavily on Agha and Jamal to build on their partnership and stabilize the innings. With the match hanging in the balance, the pressure is on Pakistan to deliver a strong performance and avoid defeat.

This Test match serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of cricket, where fortunes can change rapidly. As fans eagerly await the final day, the focus will be on whether Pakistan can mount a successful comeback or if England will continue their dominance. The stage is set for an exciting conclusion to this thrilling encounter.