Joe Root made history by surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s leading Test run scorer, achieving an unbeaten 176 in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. This performance helped England reach 492-3 by the end of day three, just 64 runs shy of Pakistan’s first innings total of 556. Root’s milestone came as he drove seamer Jamal for a boundary to bring his aggregate to 12,473 runs, making him the fifth-highest scorer in Test history.
Root and Harry Brook formed a formidable partnership, adding 243 runs for the fourth wicket. Brook, not out on 141, also contributed significantly to the score. The day’s play saw England accumulate 396 runs while losing only two wickets, showcasing their dominance on a pitch that had previously troubled their bowlers.
Pakistan’s coach Jason Gillespie emphasized the need for early wickets on the fourth day to challenge England’s growing lead. Root’s innings, spanning 481 minutes and featuring 12 boundaries, marked his 35th Test century. He surpassed Cook’s record in 268 innings, a feat achieved over 147 Tests, highlighting his consistent performance in the format.
