Multan, Oct 9 (UNI) Harry Brook and Joe Root both struck centuries as England ended day three of the first Test match against Pakistan on a commanding 492 for three, still trailing by 64 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Resuming their innings at 96 for one after the second day, England’s Zak Crawley (64) and Root (32) began steadily. However, Crawley added only 14 runs to his overnight score before being dismissed in the 25th over by Shaheen Shah Afridi, bringing an end to the second-wicket partnership of 109 runs.
Ben Duckett then joined Root at the crease, and the duo forged a formidable 136-run partnership for the third wicket. Duckett’s aggressive innings came to a close when he was adjudged leg-before-wicket by Aamir Jamal after scoring 84 runs off just 75 balls, which included 11 boundaries.
As the score reached 249 for three in 49.4 overs, Brook and Root joined forces, combining for an impressive unbroken 243-run stand for the fourth wicket. During this partnership, Brook celebrated his sixth Test century, while Root continued his excellent form, marking his 35th Test century.
Brook ended the day undefeated on 141 runs from 173 balls, featuring 12 fours and one six, while Root remained not out on 176 runs off 277 balls, striking 12 boundaries.
On the bowling front for Pakistan, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi each claimed one wicket, but England’s batsmen maintained control throughout the day, leaving the hosts with a challenging task ahead.
