Root and Brook's Centuries Make Pakistan’s 556 Look Insufficient
- Fahad Bin Khalid
- October 10, 2024
- 12:03 pm
- 47
In a thrilling first Test of the 2024 Pakistan vs. England series, Joe Root and Harry Brook come out in defiance to change the course of the game. They turned the tables on Pakistan’s seemingly massive first-innings total of 556. It is day three, and England has got past the total, getting along well with a commendable score of 492 for 3. The partnership of Root and Brook has been so complemented by Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett that now it seems England will have the upper hand in this match.
Joe Root Is Now The New King of English Cricket
Joe Root made history in this match by passing Sir Alastair Cook's 12,473 Test runs. This achievement made Root England's all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket. He reached this milestone with his usual calm style, moving steadily to his 35th Test century. His two-day knock of 176 was a masterclass in concentration and precision.
Despite leg cramps in the final hour of his innings, Root held England's innings together. This century was special because it was his first on Pakistani soil. It further solidified his status as one of England's greatest Test batsmen.
Root achieved his record in the 64th over by hitting a boundary through the covers, as he surpassed the total of Alastair Cook. He remained composed during his innings, facing Pakistan's bowlers with smart tactics. He showed his versatility by using a reverse sweep to reach his century. This highlighted his skill as a left-handed batsman against Abrar Ahmed.
The Aggressive Counter-Attack by Harry Brook
Root anchored England's innings, while Harry Brook brought the firepower. Brook scored a quick 82 runs in the last ten overs, leaving Pakistan's bowlers struggling.
This was Brook's second century against Pakistan, the first coming in the 2022 series. He handled the bowlers, especially the spinners, with ease. He was totally absorbed in an England super response to Pakistan's total.
The boundary that came off his second ball was just a glimpse of Brook's aggressive intent on the game. He wasted no time increasing the run rate as his half-century came in just 49 balls. This partnership of 243 runs with Root had really demoralized the Pakistani bowlers. As the ball began to reverse swing, Brook's smart shot selection and quick footwork kept the pressure on Pakistan. Though his second fifty took longer due to cramps and spread-out fielding, Brook stayed focused. He reached his sixth Test hundred in style with a powerful shot down the ground.
Contributions of Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett gave England a strong start to their innings, putting the team in a good position. Crawley opened the batting and scored 78 runs before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi. He played some beautiful shots and looked very natural in his role. Unfortunately, he got out while trying to flick the ball to the fielder, missing out on a century. Still, his innings set a positive tone for England's response.
Then, Ben Duckett responded with 84, and that continued the momentum in England. He had missed out on opening the innings due to a thumb injury. Duckett showed great resilience at the crease. He received a lucky break at 37 but was eventually out, trapped by Aamer Jamal. Like Crawley, Duckett scored a solid 84 runs but also missed out on a century that could have strengthened England's innings.
Pakistan Struggles on the Ground
Despite their impressive first-innings score of 556, the bowlers suffered the worst day. Young leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed struggled against the English batters, finishing with figures of 0 for 174. His defensive bowling, mostly down the leg side, failed to trouble Root and Brook. Despite brief moments from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, England’s steady run-scoring and the lack of wickets in the final session left Pakistan demoralized.
Pakistan's first innings has been strong. However, centuries from Root and Brook have improved England's chances and shifted the game's momentum in their favor. Now, the visitors have all the chance to take the lead, as Root and Brook will resume their innings on the last day.
Conclusion
It has been an uphill battle, but Joe Root and Harry Brook have made the first Test match into a commanding position for England. Their hundreds pushed Pakistan's first-innings total straight back. With two days left in the Test, Pakistan needs something special to get back into the game. Root and Brook have piled on the runs, putting Pakistan under serious pressure.
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