In the opening session of the Multan Test match, batters continued to dominate as England amassed runs with ease. Having surpassed Alastair Cook to become England’s highest run-scorer in Test history, Joe Root celebrated his 35th century, while Harry Brook quickly made his mark following Ben Duckett’s departure. The visitors added 119 runs in the post-lunch session, narrowing the deficit to 205 runs, reports Live Cricket Score.
Root resumed his innings after lunch, finding the boundary in the very first over of the session. Pakistan, however, struck early, dismissing the explosive Duckett, who had stepped up to bat at No. 4 due to injury. Duckett, who had been aggressive in the morning, fell just 16 runs short of a century. Yet, his wicket offered little respite for Pakistan as Brook announced his arrival with a boundary off his second delivery.
Brook quickly shifted into attack mode, racing to 21 runs off just 15 balls. The pattern mirrored the morning session, with the new batter taking charge immediately after an early wicket. Shaheen Afridi’s introduction to the bowling attack did not help Pakistan’s cause. Brook sent him to the boundary three times before Root added another four runs off the left-arm pacer, inching closer to his century.
Brook brought up his half-century in just 49 balls, and shortly after that, Root achieved his milestone century. With this 35th ton, the former England captain now ranks behind only five players on the illustrious list of century-makers. Pakistan’s attempts to break the burgeoning partnership were in vain as the two batsmen comfortably navigated the remaining overs before the break. Despite holding a lead of over 200 runs, Pakistan should be concerned about the pace at which England is scoring, especially with seven wickets still in hand.
Brief scores: England 351/3 (Joe Root 119*, Ben Duckett 84) trail Pakistan 556 by 205 runs.
