England go one up in three-Take a look at collection after humbling defeat for Pakistan as data tumbled in Multan.
England’s bowlers, led by spinner Jack Leach, tore by means of the Pakistan lineup to safe victory within the first Take a look at in Multan on Friday after a document partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root turned the match on its head.
England’s assault made brief work of the final 4 Pakistan batters on the fifth day, dismissing the hosts for 220 to win by an innings and 47 runs, and draw first blood within the three-match collection.
The win is England’s fourth consecutive Take a look at triumph on Pakistan soil, after a 3-0 whitewash two years in the past. England had solely gained two away Checks in opposition to Pakistan within the earlier 61 years. It was additionally full of a number of new milestones for England.
“This win would be right up there. Definitely top three,” stated captain Ollie Pope, standing in for injured skipper Ben Stokes.
England break document after document in Pakistan
Brook smashed 317 and Root a record-setting 262 in England’s mammoth 823-7 declared, giving the guests a 267-run lead and each gamers their highest Take a look at scores.
Their 454, England’s highest-ever partnership for any wicket in Take a look at cricket, additionally delivered an unbelievable benefit after Pakistan amassed a formidable 556 first-innings complete.
Pope was filled with reward for Brook and Root’s heroics. “Credit to them for the skills and determination to put the team in a winning position,” he stated.
By shut of play on the fourth day on a dull pitch, England had posted the fourth-highest Take a look at innings complete of 823-7 and brought complete management of the match with the hosts teetering at 152-6. Alongside the best way, Root turned the best run scorer for England in Take a look at historical past.
England’s bowlers then delivered a dagger blow on a dull Multan pitch the place the primary 17 wickets fell for a mammoth 1,379 runs. In the direction of the top of the fourth day, Pakistan have been reeling at 82-6 earlier than Salman Agha and Aamer Jamal got here collectively for Pakistan’s solely significant partnership.
The pair added 109 earlier than Leach, who marshalled the assault with 4-30, supplied the primary breakthrough on the fifth day when he dislodged Salman for a combating 63 and opened the floodgates.
Leach then took a wise return catch to get Shaheen Shah Afridi for 10 after which had Naseem Shah stumped for six, wrapping up Pakistan’s second innings. Final man Abrar Ahmed was unable to bat after being taken to hospital with a excessive fever.
“When you come out to bat again and you’re 260 runs behind and the pitch is three days older, it’s never easy,” stated Pope of Pakistan’s second-innings predicament. Pope additionally lauded the grit proven by England’s inexperienced assault. “Our bowlers got the odd ball to reverse and spin,” he stated of Gus Atkinson who took 2-46 and debutant Brydon Carse who completed with 2-66.
Pakistan and Masood left to select up the items in Multan
The loss continues a painful stretch for Pakistan and can compound the stress on captain Shan Masood. His tenure has begun with six consecutive defeats, together with three in Australia and two at dwelling by the hands of Bangladesh – the worst begin for any Pakistan captain.
“It can’t be more disappointing than this,” stated Masood. “Harsh reality is that England found a way to win after two days under the sun and 556 behind. “Then they batted big and when they came back with the ball they had a plan and created a window of opportunity in the second innings so the harsh reality in Test cricket is no matter what the pitch quality side finds a way to win.”
The hosts have gone 11 Checks with no win on dwelling grounds, their final win in opposition to South Africa got here in February 2021. The second Take a look at begins on the identical venue from Tuesday whereas the third is in Rawalpindi from October 24.
