PAK vs ENG: Fans in awe as Joe Root lights up Multan with stellar double century on Day 4 of 1st test

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Joe Root added another chapter to his illustrious Test career with a monumental double-century on Day 4 of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. This marked his sixth double-ton in Test cricket, breaking his tie with Alastair Cook and placing him second only to Wally Hammond among English players. Root’s innings not only guided England through a challenging first innings but also cemented his place as one of the greatest Test batters of all time. His masterclass against a potent Pakistan attack further demonstrated his ability to excel in all conditions.

Joe Root chasing records: Sixth double-century puts him among England’s elite

Root’s knock in Multan not only helped England fight back against Pakistan but also put him within touching distance of another legendary English record. His sixth double-century places him just one shy of Hammond’s tally of seven. Furthermore, Root’s 35th Test century saw him surpass some of the game’s biggest names, including Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara and Mahela Jayawardene, who each scored 34 tons. Root’s hunger for runs shows no signs of diminishing as he continues to climb the ranks of cricketing greats.

Equalling Rahul Dravid’s record: Root’s consistency in Test cricket

Root’s double-century also allowed him to equal another prestigious record. He joined Rahul Dravid with 99 scores of 50 or more in Test matches, placing him joint third on the all-time list. Only Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis and Ricky Ponting have accomplished this more times than Root and Dravid. This consistency over the years has been the hallmark of Root’s career, with his ability to deliver under pressure earning him a reputation as one of the most reliable Test batters in the modern era.

Also READ: Alastair Cook names the next record Joe Root will break after England milestone

Root’s century lays foundation for England’s response to Pakistan

Arriving at the crease on Day 2, Root exhibited patience and precision as he partnered with Zak Crawley to take England past 100 on Day 3. Crawley’s dismissal for 78 did little to halt Root’s momentum. Root continued to accumulate runs and brought up his century after lunch, off 167 balls. He then formed a crucial 136-run partnership with Ben Duckett (84), followed by an imposing double-century stand with Harry Brook. Root’s ability to rotate strike and manage Pakistan’s spinners kept the pressure on the hosts, setting the stage for a strong English response.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Root surpasses Alastair Cook to become England’s leading run-scorer in Tests

In the process of building his double-century, Root achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Alastair Cook’s record to become England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer. Root now sits atop the list with over 12,472 runs, joining the likes of Tendulkar, Ponting and Dravid among the world’s most prolific Test batters. This achievement speaks to Root’s longevity and adaptability, having excelled in varying conditions across the globe, making him one of the most respected figures in modern cricket.

Root’s fifth century in 2024: Leading England’s batting renaissance

Root’s century in Multan was his fifth in 2024, making him the joint leader with Kamindu Mendis for the most Test hundreds this year. Despite having played three Tests in Pakistan previously, this was Root’s first century in the country, highlighting his adaptability in challenging subcontinent conditions. His composed reaction after reaching the milestone, kissing the badge on his helmet and acknowledging the dressing room, reflected his focus on the task at hand rather than personal accolades.

England’s batting resurgence led by Root and Harry Brook

England resumed Day 4 on 492/3, with Root unbeaten on 176 and Harry Brook on 141, trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 556. Root and Brook remained unfazed by Pakistan’s attack, building on their already impressive partnership. Brook completed his century, his fourth against Pakistan, while Root went on to complete his double-century. Despite a dropped catch by Babar Azam and the absence of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed due to illness, Pakistan’s bowling lacked the cutting edge needed to disrupt England’s momentum, allowing Root to anchor the innings.

Also READ: PAK vs ENG: Fans roar as Joe Root breaks Alastair Cook’s all-time record for England on Day 3 of first Test

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