England Seize Control After Harry Brook’s Triple-Century and Joe Root’s Double Flatten Pakistan

Fahad Bin Khalid
October 11, 2024
12:30 pm
90

The fourth day of the first Test between England and Pakistan turned into a nightmare for the home side and a dream day for England. Playing on a flat pitch in Multan, England made a staggering total of 823 for 7 declared. It was led by Harry Brook's stunning triple-century (317) and Joe Root’s career-best 262. Pakistan, after a tough time in the field, found themselves struggling at 152 for 6 by the end of day four. They are trailing by 115 runs, and staring down the barrel of a possible sixth consecutive Test defeat.

England’s Record-Breaking Innings

England’s mammoth total of 823 for 7, their third-highest in Test cricket history, was a display of sheer dominance. Harry Brook stole the show with his first Test triple-century. He scored 317 off just 322 balls. He hit 31 boundaries that showed his remarkable fitness and shot-making ability throughout. It was an innings that placed Brook in the elite group of English players to score a triple-century, making him only the sixth to do so.

Joe Root is already a well-established figure in world cricket. He also played a pivotal role in the onslaught. His patient knock of 262 came after hours of batting, which showed why he’s one of the most dependable batters of England. Root's double-century was his sixth in Test cricket, second only to Wally Hammond’s seven for England. His partnership with Brook added 454 runs, which makes it England’s highest-ever partnership for any wicket.

Pakistan’s Struggles Begin

Pakistan had started the day with a lead of 64 runs. However, by the time Brook and Root resumed their batting on 144 and 176 respectively, it was clear that the hosts were in trouble. The England pair kept piling on the runs, demoralizing Pakistan's bowlers and fielders alike. The Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, even dropped a simple catch off Joe Root when he was on 186, and this added more to the frustration.

Brook’s 317 came in rapid time. It took him only 310 deliveries to reach his triple century. This was the second-fastest triple in Test history, only behind Virender Sehwag's 278-ball effort in 2008. By the time he departed, Brook had helped England surpass 800 runs. It was a feat achieved only four times by the team in Test cricket.

A Nightmare Second Innings for Pakistan

After being in the field for almost two days, Pakistan’s players were visibly tired, and it showed when they came out to bat. Their second innings got off to a dreadful start when Abdullah Shafique was bowled by Chris Woakes for a duck on the first ball. Things went from bad to worse as wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, leaving Pakistan reeling at 82 for 6 at one point.

Pakistan’s most experienced batter, Babar Azam, could only manage 25 runs before he was caught by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith off Gus Atkinson’s bowling. The rest of the top order crumbled under pressure, with only Saud Shakeel showing some fight before being caught behind off Jack Leach for 19.

With Abrar Ahmed hospitalized with a fever, their chances of salvaging anything from this game seem slim. Salman Agha’s 41 not out has been the only silver lining for Pakistan so far, as they ended the day at 152 for 6, trailing by 115 runs.

England on the Brink of Victory

Ollie Pope, who is standing in as England captain. He rotated his bowlers well and made sharp field placements. This kept the pressure on Pakistan throughout their second innings. Chris Woakes and Brydon Carse were the standout bowlers for England, both finding movement and troubling the Pakistan batters. Carse, in particular, impressed on debut, knocking back Mohammad Rizwan’s stumps to leave Pakistan in deeper trouble.

England’s victory seems almost inevitable, as they are now just four wickets away from wrapping up a memorable win in Pakistan. The pitch had offered little help to the bowlers earlier, but now, it appears to be playing tricks on the tired minds of the Pakistan batters. England’s well-oiled bowling attack is poised to finish the job on day five.

Conclusion

England’s performance in Multan has been nothing short of historic. Harry Brook’s triple century and Joe Root’s double century ensured that the visitors were in complete control of the match. Pakistan’s response has been disappointing, and with key players unavailable, they look set for another defeat. England’s bowlers will look to capitalize on the situation and finish off Pakistan quickly on day five. This will seal what would be a famous victory.

The England tour of Pakistan has given fans plenty of excitement so far. This Test match will be remembered for years to come, not just for the incredible records but also for the sheer dominance England has displayed. As England edges closer to victory, they are also inching towards a crucial win in the ICC World Test Championship. This puts them in a stronger position as the competition progresses.

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