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Is Pakistan’s home Test cricket digging its own grave? The home side has been winless in Test matches since March 2021, and today’s pitch in Multan isn’t helping. The track has been dead—offering nothing to bowlers and setting the stage for yet another drawn match. However, England isn’t letting this one go quietly, with Joe Root and Harry Brook turning the tide.
England’s Dynamic Duo Keeps Pakistan at Bay
Day 3 began with England sitting at 96/1, and Pakistan’s task was clear—get them out quickly. But England had other plans. Joe Root, the master of modern-day Test batting, dug in and played one of his most sublime innings to date. Root’s century wasn’t just a milestone—it was a statement. The former England captain piled on the runs, showing why he’s moving up the all-time Test run charts and inching closer to Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary record.
Root was patient, methodical, and relentless, putting Pakistan’s bowlers through a grind. On a sluggish day, he found ways to keep the scoreboard ticking, punishing any loose delivery. But Root wasn’t alone in England’s assault on Pakistan’s bowling attack.
Harry Brook’s Explosive Century
While Root’s innings was about finesse, Harry Brook decided to take the aggressive route. The young gun blasted his way to a century, smashing Pakistan’s bowlers all over the park. Sweeps, reverse sweeps, boundaries galore—Brook gave the fans something to cheer about on an otherwise quiet pitch.
Pakistan, despite their mammoth 556 in the first innings, now find themselves on the defensive. Brook and Root’s knocks have almost neutralized Pakistan’s lead, and England trail by just 64 runs with seven wickets still in hand.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
With two days to go, Pakistan’s bowlers need a miracle. England will aim to get a modest lead, and possibly declare to force a result. A draw may seem inevitable, but England has other plans—win, or go down swinging. Can Pakistan turn things around, or will this be another ‘slow’ death for Test cricket in Multan?
PAK vs ENG 1st Test Summary (after Day 3)
Pakistan 1st innings: 556/10 (Shan Masood 151, Jack Leach 3/160)
England 1st innings: 492/3 (after 101 overs) (Joe Root 176*, Aamer Jamal 1/76)
