Vishwas Puri
The approach of England made them bounce back on the third day of the first test match in Multan as the team reached 492 runs. The team that lost their first wicket at a score of six and one of their batsmen was injured by the end of the second day, totally displayed a master class today. Zak Crawley and Joe Root started their innings at a score of 64 and 32 runs respectively, in the beginning of the first session. Despite scoring a half century and on the second day, Crawley wasn’t looking comfortable with his batting today and lost his wicket early today. On the other side, Joe Root clicked well with his bat and kept scoring runs at a constant rate.
Ben Duckett, who could not open yesterday due to his finger injury, came to bat at No. 4 and scored a fabulous 84 runs at a whacking strike rate of 112. Even after the wicket of Ben Duckett, Harry Brook also maintained a good partnership with Root as both of them completed their century and built a partnership of 243. This is the highest ever partnership in Pakistan by England players and were still unbeaten by the end of the day. Joe Root completed a 100-run partnership with three of the players today, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Harry Brook too. Today’s century was his 35th century in Test, which made him the highest run scorer for England in Test cricket.
Harry Brook also played tremendously, scoring his fourth test century today. Generally known for “Bazball” approach, The duo maintained a run rate of near 5 in the last 20 overs by just scoring two boundaries, which shows that the rotation of strike was really appreciable between the two .By the end of the day, Joe Root is at a score of 176, nearing a double century, whereas Harry Brook is also not out at 141 runs.
The Pakistani bowlers, who were looking fierce in the beginning of the innings, totally enfeebled the whole day. The team could only achieve a wicket each in the first two sessions and went wicket-less in the third session of the game. Only Shahin Shah Afridi, and Aamer Jamal could get a wicket each in today’s game.
The aim of England in the forthcoming day will be to cross Pakistan’s mark of 556 runs and then get them bowled as soon as possible in order to turn the match into their favour rather than a draw.
