England’s bowlers triggered a dramatic collapse in Pakistan’s batting lineup after a stunning triple century by Harry Brook and a double hundred by Joe Root put the visitors in control during the first Test in Multan on Thursday.
Brook’s explosive 317 and Root’s 262 helped England declare at a commanding 823-7, giving them a lead of 267 runs. Pakistan struggled in response, closing the fourth day at 152-6, with Agha Salman (41 not out) and Aamer Jamal (27 not out) offering some resistance with a 70-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Pakistan still needs 115 runs to avoid an innings defeat.
The day marked a dramatic shift in momentum, as the Multan pitch had previously allowed 1,379 runs with only 17 wickets falling. England’s innings ranks as the fourth-highest total in Test history, driven by a record-breaking 454-run partnership between Brook and Root for the fourth wicket.
Chris Woakes set the tone for England by dismissing Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique with the first ball of their second innings. Pakistan’s batting woes continued as captain Shan Masood (11), Babar Azam (5), and Saim Ayub (25) were quickly dismissed, leaving the hosts struggling at 50-3.
Masood, dropped twice before eventually being caught off Gus Atkinson, and Azam, who fell to a sharp delivery from Atkinson, were followed by Mohammad Rizwan, who scored just 10 before being dismissed by Brydon Carse. Saud Shakeel added 29 before Jack Leach had him caught behind, leaving Pakistan in deeper trouble at 82-5. Atkinson finished with figures of 2-28, while Carse took 2-39.
Earlier, Brook and Root dominated the day with career-best performances. Brook reached his triple century in just 310 balls, hitting 29 fours and three sixes before being caught off Saim Ayub. Root, who surpassed Alastair Cook’s record for most Test runs by an England player, was eventually dismissed leg-before by Agha Salman after a marathon 10-hour innings that included 17 fours.
Despite a defensive bowling approach from Pakistan, England added 166 runs in just 29 overs in the morning session. Root’s previous best of 254 also came against Pakistan in 2016, while Brook’s previous highest score was 186 against New Zealand last year.
Pakistan missed a key opportunity early in the day when Babar Azam dropped Root on 186, allowing him to complete his sixth Test double century. Pakistan’s bowling was hindered by the absence of their frontline spinner Abrar Ahmed, who was out due to illness.
