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England‘s batting dominance was on full display as they posted a mammoth 823/7 in their first innings of the opening Test against Pakistan at Multan. The docile pitch allowed the batters to thrive, and Harry Brook stole the spotlight with a monumental triple century, alongside Joe Root’s impressive double hundred. Brook’s innings were sensational, as he continued his brilliant run in Pakistan, piling up records and adding his name to the history books. His innings, along with Root’s, formed a massive 454-run partnership that put England firmly in control.
Harry Brook’s knock: A masterclass in dominance
Harry Brook, at just 25, delivered an extraordinary knock, reaching his first Test triple century with a composed yet aggressive approach. After coming to the crease with England already in a strong position at 249/3, Brook capitalized on the lifeless Multan pitch. He attacked the Pakistani bowlers with precise timing and power, reaching the 300-run mark with a boundary off Saim Ayub. His fearless stroke play and unwavering concentration allowed him to rack up a career-best 317 runs from 310 balls.
Brook’s powerful hitting was a nightmare for the Pakistan bowling attack, which looked helpless as he dispatched them all over the ground. His innings included a wide array of shots, from textbook drives to audacious slogs, demonstrating his versatility and temperament. This 317-run effort marked another chapter in Brook’s stunning rise in international cricket, having already made three centuries in Pakistan during England’s 2022 series win. His ability to control the game while maintaining a high strike rate speaks volumes of his potential and his partnership with Joe Root put England in a commanding position, eventually surpassing 800 runs.
Also READ: PAK vs ENG: Fans erupt as Harry Brook hits a dazzling triple century in the first Test
Historic feats achieved by Brook during his triple century knock in Multan Test:
1. Highest Individual Score in Multan
Brook’s score of 317 set a new benchmark for the highest individual score in Multan Test history, surpassing Virender Sehwag’s famous 309 that he scored in 2004 against Pakistan. Brook’s effort, spread over two days, not only eclipsed Sehwag’s total but also redefined how the Multan pitch could be played on, proving to be a record-shattering performance.
2. Second-Fastest Triple Century in Test Cricket
One of the most remarkable aspects of Brook’s knock was the sheer speed with which he got to his triple century. Reaching the 300-mark in just 310 balls, Brook became the second-fastest player to achieve the feat, only behind Sehwag, who had done it in 278 balls against South Africa in 2008. Brook’s aggressive approach, coupled with his clean striking, saw him join an elite list of fast triple centurions in Test cricket, showcasing his ability to dominate opposition bowlers in any condition.
3. Second-Highest Score by a Foreign Player in Pakistan
Brook’s mammoth 317-run knock now stands as the second-highest individual score by a foreign player in Pakistan, behind Mark Taylor’s unbeaten 334 that was scored in 1998 in Peshawar. Falling just 17 runs short of Taylor’s record, Brook’s innings will be remembered as one of the finest ever played by an overseas cricketer on Pakistani soil, especially in such testing conditions.
4. Highest Partnership for the Fourth Wicket for England
Brook’s partnership with Joe Root was also historic. The duo’s 454-run stand for the fourth wicket is now the highest partnership in England’s Test cricket history. Their combined effort saw England soar past 800 runs, putting the game firmly out of Pakistan’s reach. Brook and Root’s partnership showcased the perfect blend of youth and experience, with both players piling on the runs with authority.
5. Joint Record for Most Test Hundreds by an Overseas Player in Pakistan
By reaching his fourth century in Pakistan, Harry Brook also equaled the record for the most Test centuries by a visiting player in Pakistan. His 317-run effort put him on par with Aravinda de Silva and Mohinder Amarnath, both of whom had also scored four centuries in Pakistan. However, Brook’s achievement stands out as he did it in just six innings, the fastest to this milestone, further highlighting his remarkable adaptability to foreign conditions.
Brook’s innings in Multan will go down as one of the great knocks in Test cricket, with a series of records falling to his name during this historic match. His triple century, partnerships, and dominant play have firmly established him as a future star in international cricket.
