In 147 years of Test cricket, only 27 men have registered Test triple tons and it became clear why on Day 4 in Multan. Joe Root played a near flawless knock to rack up 262 runs before finally running out of fuel but his knock was duly acknowledged in style by the hurting opponent.
England piled on the records at the highway on offer at Multan Cricket Stadium as they surpassed Pakistan’s first innings total of 556 with three wickets still in hand on Wednesday. Joe Root and Harry Brook were the architects of England’s collosal batting effort as both men brought up their respective double centuries in the morning session of Day 4 enroute to a 400-run stand, only the 16th in Test cricket history. Both men looked destined for their maiden Test triple centuries but Root fell agonizingly short soon after Lunch to end a memorable 454 run partnership.
The veteran was up against Salman Agha Ali in the 137th over when he misjudged the length of an off-break delivery and was pinned back in his crease while the ball struck him plumb in front of the stumps. Root began walking off before the umpire’s finger was even raised with his head bowed and an ever-stoic expression on his face. An instant cheer echoed around Multan, perhaps a little out of relief and a little out of sheer admiration at the feats accomplished by one of the game’s greatest ever batters, and the same was reflected in the attitude of the Pakistani players. Each one of them made sure to shake the hands of the master for a marathon 375-ball knock for 262, the likes of Shaheen Afridi even running up to Root as he walked back to the pavilion. Plaudits similarly followed from Harry Brook at the other end, the umpire, the incoming batter Jamie Smith, and a standing ovation awaited in the dressing room.
Twitterati was no different in expressing their reaction.
Root departs!!
Jinxer
— Jos Buttler (@josbuttler) October 10, 2024
With the Great Root unfortunately gone & misses out one of an golden opportunity to come close to Lara’s mighty 400 and even could break,
Now I think it’s you Harry Brook who can done it 🤞#ENGvsPAK #HarryBrook #JoeRoot #BrianLara #Bazball #400 https://t.co/94eTErAWa6 pic.twitter.com/MRUlJcjS2H— अman रishaभ राj (Chaurasia) (@AmanRishabhRaj) October 10, 2024
Fatigue will be real
Mark my words.. this series will be the end of him playing at this level..
The runs are fine but they do come with a cost of mental fatigue as well as expectations.#Joeroot https://t.co/EAoxf0SKlh— Friendly user (@Ker2UP2Del) October 10, 2024
Well played
Well Played, Joe Root. 262 runs from 375 balls.#PAKvsENG #Pakistan #PakistanCricket pic.twitter.com/FMqLqStERw
— Inzimam⁵⁶Sajad (@I_Engr560) October 10, 2024
262(365) & Joe Root is out❤️🏴
When Root got out there were 285 overs were bowled in game & Joe Root was on field for all of them except 8 balls.
He is used to cold weather & still he was there on the field for 285 overs in 30 celcius of Multan, it speaks volume of his fitness. pic.twitter.com/QoEKCsgQvy— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 10, 2024
Unbelivable!!
True
Joe Root would be glad he can spend couple of hours in the dressing room. #PAKvENG
— Vikrant Singh (@vikrantsingh_au) October 10, 2024
JOE ROOT 🤝 HARRY BROOK – HISTORY ON HIGHWAY !!!
– Root & Brook registered Highest ever partnership for England in Test Cricket (454).
– Root & Brook registered Highest ever partnership in Away in Test Cricket History (454).#PAKvsENG #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/VbnfizqC3k— KING Birat Kohali 👑 (@IM_BIRAT_) October 10, 2024
Unbelievable
