Joe Root excelled with the bat for England on Day 4 (Thursday, October 10) of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. The right-handed batsman needed 305 balls to reach his double century, marking his second against Pakistan after scoring 254 in 2016.
This was Root’s sixth double hundred in Tests, the highest by an England player, surpassing former captain Sir Alastair Cook, who has five. Notably, Don Bradman, Kumar Sangakkara, and Brian Lara lead the all-time list with 12, 11, and nine double centuries, respectively.
Root reached this milestone by taking a single off Agha Salman in the 100th over of England’s first innings. The 33-year-old then removed his helmet, kissed the badge, raised his bat, and congratulated his batting partner Harry Brook.
Posting the clip on X, Pakistan Cricket’s official account stated:
“A commendable effort from Joe Root, who brings up his sixth Test double ton.”
You can watch the video here:
A commendable effort from Joe Root, who brings up his sixth Test double ton 🏏#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/bKA1Htup8D
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 10, 2024
Earlier on Day 3, Joe Root surpassed Cook’s total of 12,472 runs to become the highest run-scorer for England in Tests. The right-handed batsman also notched his 35th Test century, overtaking former India captain Sunil Gavaskar, who has 34 centuries.
Joe Root and Harry Brook put together a 300-plus partnership, giving England a lead over Pakistan
Joe Root and Harry Brook formed a lengthy partnership of over 300 runs for the fourth wicket, helping England take the lead against Pakistan in the first Test. As of the latest update, England was at 561/3 after 114 overs, leading by five runs, with Root scoring 211 off 317 balls and Brook 174 off 212.
Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett also contributed with scores of 78 (85) and 84 (75), respectively. Batting first, Pakistan posted 556 in their first innings, led by captain Shan Masood’s 151 off 177 balls, while Agha Salman and Abdullah Shafique added 104* (119) and 102 (184), respectively.
Jack Leach was the top wicket-taker for England with three wickets, while Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse each took two.
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