Brook and Root’s Unbeaten Centuries Lead England’s Fightback
Resuming the day at 96 for one, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Root began confidently. Crawley, who had looked solid the previous day, added just 14 runs to his overnight score of 64 before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the 25th over, bringing an end to a 109-run second-wicket stand.
Root, looking in sublime form, continued to build his innings with Ben Duckett joining him at the crease. The two formed a significant 136-run partnership for the third wicket. Duckett played with aggressive intent, racing to 84 from 75 balls with 11 boundaries before being trapped leg-before-wicket by Aamir Jamal.
At 249 for three, it was Harry Brook who came in to partner Root. The duo put on a masterclass in batting, stitching an unbeaten 243-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Brook, who brought up his sixth Test century, played fluently to remain unbeaten on 141 from 173 balls, striking 12 fours and a six.
Root, meanwhile, continued his imperious form, bringing up his 35th Test hundred. He finished the day unbeaten on 176 off 277 balls, studded with 12 boundaries. The Root-Brook partnership has placed England in a dominant position, with their sights set on overtaking Pakistan’s first innings total of 556.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, while disciplined at times, found breakthroughs hard to come by. Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi picked up a wicket each, but England’s resolute batting saw them through a long day of play.
Earlier, Pakistan posted a commanding first-innings total of 556, led by Shan Masood’s 151 and a brilliant 104 not out by Salman Ali Agha. Abdullah Shafique (102) and Saud Shakeel (82) also played key roles, while England’s Jack Leach (3-160) and Brydon Carse (2-74) were among the more successful bowlers for the visitors.
As the match heads into Day 4, all eyes will be on England’s batting approach, with Root and Brook still at the crease. A crucial day awaits as England look to build a lead and set up a possible result in this high-scoring encounter.
Scores in brief: Day 3 of 5; England trail by 64 runs at the Multan Cricket Stadium.
Pakistan: 556 all out, 149 overs (Shan Masood 151, Salman Ali Agha 104*, Abdullah Shafique 102, Saud Shakeel 82; Jack Leach 3-160, Brydon Carse 2-74)
England: 492-3, 101 overs (Joe Root 176*, Harry Brook 141*, Ben Duckett 84, Zak Crawley 78; Aamir Jamal 1-78, Naseem Shah 1-87, Shaheen Shah Afridi 1-88)
