England shines on Day Four, led by Brook’s triple century and Root’s double, leaving Pakistan struggling at 152 for 6 and facing imminent defeat.
England’s tremendous performance on the fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan has turned the match dramatically in their favor. After dominating the first innings with a staggering 823 for 7 declared, England now stands poised for an impending victory, leading by 115 runs with Pakistan struggling at 152 for 6 in their second innings. The surface at Multan, which had been anticipated to yield a competitive contest, appears to have favored the tourists as the match approaches its conclusion.
The remarkable figure of 823 for 7 marks England’s third-highest total in Test history and reflects an outstanding team effort, which was spearheaded by Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook achieved a sensational maiden triple century, scoring 317 runs off just 322 balls, thereby entering the record books as England’s sixth cricketer to achieve this illustrious milestone. Root, too, was impressive, notching an impressive new career-best score of 262. Their collective partnership contributed to a new England record for the fourth wicket, reaching an extraordinary 454 runs before Root’s dismissal.
As the match unfolded, Pakistan’s plight became increasingly dire. They began their second innings trailing by only 64 runs but quickly found themselves in a precarious position after losing Abdullah Shafique on the very first ball. In a disheartening turn of events, Pakistan crumbled to a dismal 82 for 6, with the tail end of their batting lineup failing to provide adequate support.
Adding to Pakistan’s woes, spin bowler Abrar Ahmed was forced to leave the field due to illness, leaving the team short-handed and grappling with mounting pressure as they pursued runs in dire straits. If the condition of the players does not improve, Pakistan risks facing their sixth consecutive Test defeat, which would add to the disappointment of already suffering three losses on home soil.
The day began with both Brook and Root resuming their innings at 144 and 176 runs respectively, with Pakistan’s bowlers facing an uphill battle. Despite their situation, the Pakistan camp would have hoped to bounce back after a first innings that had seen the visitors dominate. However, as Brook and Root added runs to the board, it was evident that the pressure was mounting on the hosts. Root finally fell to Salman Agha, out LBW, concluding a monumental innings that had lasted from the second day.
While Root had already solidified his status as a leading Test run-scorer for England, Brook’s resilience and aggressive batting style turned him into the focus of attention. He achieved his triple century with both precision and efficiency, completing it in the second fewest balls in history for a Test triple, only trailing Virender Sehwag’s 2008 record.
With the match moving into the later stages, Brook took charge, building on his established confidence at the crease. His innings consisted of strategic strikes and powerful shots, including an impressive six and multiple boundaries as he sought to quicken the scoring rate ahead of the declaration. However, as with any cricket match, the pursuit of speed led to an untimely dismissal when he attempted a more adventurous stroke that ended with a top edge, concluding his innings at a remarkable yet bittersweet 317.
The situation for Pakistan only worsened as the day progressed. England’s bowlers, especially Chris Woakes and debutant Brydon Carse, proved to be sharp and effective, creating discomfort for the Pakistani batsmen. Woakes made a decisive breakthrough by sending Shafique’s off stump tumbling while Carse demonstrated his skill and promise as he made inroads into Pakistan’s batting order. The return of Jack Leach to the bowler’s end further compounded the problem for the hosts as he claimed the wicket of Saud Shakeel, leaving Pakistan teetering at 152 for 6.
Today’s match saw brief moments of hope for Pakistan, notably from Salman Agha, who provided some resistance by finishing the day not out at 41. However, with less than a day left in the Test and a daunting task ahead, it remains uncertain if Pakistan can stave off another inevitable defeat.
As the crowds brace for what tomorrow will bring, fears of a humiliating defeat loom large for the home side. With the tourist side showing formidable form and depth, the challenge ahead for Pakistan is not only about defending their wickets but also about addressing the psychological obstacles encountered on days like these. As the Test heads toward its conclusion, the cricketing world watches closely, anticipating the results of this matchup that has unfolded unexpectedly across four days.
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