England Crushes Pakistan with Historic 823/7 in First Test
England Dominated Pakistan with a Historic Total of 823/7 in first test
It has been one of those days in Multan – day four, to be precise – that England must have dreamed of and Pakistan feared. A Test match that appeared destined to meander to a dull finish has been turned on its head, with the visitors now well-placed for another famous victory on Pakistani soil. England’s 823-7 declared, a huge third-highest Test total from them, was laced by the maiden triple-century of 317 from Harry Brook, backed by Joe Root’s career-best 262. As many as six batsmen face the threat of a sixth successive Test defeat and third on home soil – having closed the day on 152-6.
Day to Forget for Pakistan
In the first test, England dominated Pakistan and there was no sign of any comeback from Pakistan. who began the day with a 64-run lead, perhaps never saw the storm that was coming at them. England resumed with Brook on 144 and Root on 176, and in no time, both went about dictating terms. Their partnership catapulted to 454-a new record stand for England and fourth-highest for any wicket in Tests. Root was finally trapped lbw by Salman Agha after reaching 262 but not before he had been dropped on 186 off Naseem Shah by Babar Azam.
But Brook outdid him. The 24-year-old Yorkshireman, who made England’s first triple century since Graham Gooch’s 333 against India in 1990 off just 322 balls replete with some sumptuous stroke play, became the quickest Englishman to a triple-century and second-quickest overall, reaching the milestone in only 310 balls, or just 32 balls short of Virender Sehwag’s record.
Not to be outdone, Root’s contribution was equally remarkable. The sixth Test double-century now puts him just a notch behind Wally Hammond, record holder for most Test double-hundreds for England. Having batted through most of the innings since coming in at 4 for 1 on day two, Root’s fitness and perseverance became the standout factor. His dismissal at 703 for 4 marked the end of his monumental effort, and he spent only a very short time off the field before England declared their innings closed.
Brook’s Masterclass in Scoring
Brook’s innings were more about the milestones; it was about dominance. Having reached his double-century with a single off his 245th ball, he thereafter accelerated reaching from 200 to 300 off just 65 deliveries. His fearless batting in that period saw him unleash 10 boundaries and two sixes. A back-foot drive for four brought him to 300, but there was no sign of him letting up. His 31st boundary, off Saim Ayub, confirmed his place as England’s sixth Test triple-centurion.
The Pakistan fielders were offering congratulations all round as Brook finally holed out on 317, pleased to see the back of a player who had scored more Test runs in their country than in his own – 785 to 761. The wicket, along with a quick flurry of others, prompted England to declare at 823 for 7 – a lead of 267.
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Pakistan’s Troubles Compound
That was ample punishment for Pakistan’s bowling attack, which saw six bowlers concede more than 100 runs-only the second instance in Test cricket history. But nor did things get any better in their second innings. After a brief respite at tea, Pakistan’s batting imploded. Chris Woakes delivered the perfect inswinger to bowl Abdullah Shafique with the first ball of the innings to set the tone for the collapse. Soon enough, Pakistan found themselves at 82 for 6.
The impressive in only his third Test, Gus Atkinson, removed Pakistan captain Shan Masood and star batsman Babar Azam in quick succession. Brydon Carse then got on the act, removing Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan. Indeed, there was nothing that Pakistan’s top order could do to cope with the unwavering seam attack of England as both Atkinson and Carse excelled.
Agha Salman, 41 not out at stumps, finally provided some lower-order resistance in the company of Aamer Jamal, who got a lifeline when he was dropped at deep square leg. Pakistan, with Abrar Ahmed in hospital due to illness, are thus effectively three wickets away from another humbling defeat at home.
Dominating with the Ball, England
Atkinson’s spell, in which he was able to get movement and harassed Pakistan’s batters consistently, had been important. He found Masood’s edge, while Babar’s labored innings ended with an outside edge to Jamie Smith. Carse then sent down his raw pace, getting the ball to swing and unnerving Pakistan’s middle-order.
Jack Leach’s removal of Saud Shakeel finally took away the remaining hope of Pakistan getting something out of the game. Salman Agha’s resilience was all that avoided a bowled-out situation for them, even though this looks like an effort in futility as England should wrap up victory on day five.
FAQs:
- Q: What is England’s third-highest Test total?
A: The third-highest Test total for England is 823 for 7 declared against Pakistan in this match.
- Q: What was the single highest individual score in this match by an England player?
A: Harry Brook scored 317, his maiden triple-century in Test cricket.
- Q: How many double centuries has Joe Root scored in Test cricket?
A: Joe Root now has six double centuries in Test cricket for England, only behind Wally Hammond.
- Q: Abrar Ahmed Not Playing for Pakistan, Why?
A: Abrar Ahmed is now in the hospital owing to a fever and won’t play in the second innings of Pakistan that is underway.