MULTAN, Pakistan: Joe Root struck a double century, while Harry Brook smashed a triple ton, as England piled on a record-breaking 823 for seven against Pakistan, extending their lead on the fourth day of the first Test in Multan.
Starting from 492-3, England quickly overtook Pakistan’s first-innings score of 556, establishing a 102-run advantage and positioning themselves to press on in the second session.
Root remained unbeaten on 259, and Brook on 218, their partnership of 409 off 488 balls setting career-high scores for both players on a placid Multan pitch.
Root, surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s top Test run-scorer, reached a career milestone with 20,000 international runs after a boundary in the morning session.
Dropped on 186 by Babar Azam at mid-wicket, Root capitalized, achieving his sixth double century and celebrating with a kiss to the badge on his helmet. His milestone also saw him surpass Cook in England’s all-time list, with only Wally Hammond ahead with seven double centuries.
