First Test, Multan: Root Leads England Fightback with Record-Breaking 176 Not Out

Pakistan 556: Masood 151, Salman 104*, Shafique 102; Leach 3-160
England 492-3: Root 176*, Brook 141*, Duckett 84
England trail by 64 runs.

Joe Root’s stunning unbeaten 176 on day three in Multan propelled England back into contention against Pakistan. Root’s knock, combined with Harry Brook’s rapid 141*, left England just 64 runs behind Pakistan’s first-innings total of 556.

Root became England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook’s record of 12,472 runs, on his way to building a 243-run partnership with Brook, an all-wicket record for England in Pakistan.

After resuming on 96-1, England added 396 for the loss of just two wickets in searing heat. Zak Crawley contributed 78 before Ben Duckett’s 84 bolstered the visitors’ total. Brook had a slice of luck when the ball hit his stumps but failed to dislodge the bails when he was on 75.

With two days left, England are eyeing a first-innings lead and the prospect of an exceptional win.

Key Highlights:

• Root surpassed Cook’s record and powered England to 492-3.
• Brook continued his stellar form in Pakistan, adding his fourth century in as many Tests in the country.
• Pakistan’s bowlers struggled on a flat pitch, with spinner Abrar Ahmed particularly punished by Root and Brook.
• England now look to build a lead and put Pakistan under pressure in the second innings.