In a stunning turn of events in the first Test in Multan, England’s bowlers triggered a Pakistan batting collapse after Harry Brook’s monumental triple century of 317 and Joe Root’s record-setting 262. England declared at 823-7, leading by a massive 267 runs, with Pakistan struggling at 152-6 by the end of the fourth day.
Brook and Root’s 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket, the fourth-highest total in Test cricket history, paved the way for England’s dominance. Despite a brief resistance from Agha Salman (41*) and Aamer Jamal (27*), Pakistan still needs 115 runs to avoid an innings defeat, making England the favorites to seal victory.
Pakistan’s innings faltered early as Chris Woakes dismissed Abdullah Shafique for a duck, followed by quick wickets of Shan Masood (11), Babar Azam (5), and Saim Ayub (25). The middle order also collapsed, with Mohammad Rizwan (10) and Saud Shakeel (29) failing to make an impact. Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse shared two wickets each, leaving Pakistan in deep trouble.
Earlier, Brook’s 317 came off 310 balls, his career-best knock featuring 29 boundaries and 3 sixes, while Root’s double hundred—his sixth in Test cricket—was his highest score against Pakistan. The England captain also surpassed Alastair Cook’s record to become England’s leading Test run-scorer.
Pakistan’s bowlers, lacking their key spinner Abrar Ahmed due to illness, struggled throughout the innings, with Naseem Shah and Saim Ayub sharing two wickets apiece. With just one day left, Pakistan’s hopes now rest on a miraculous recovery to avoid an innings defeat.
This Test marks a dominant performance from England’s batting lineup and sharp bowling, edging them closer to a comprehensive win in Multan.
