396 runs in 81 overs for England on day three, losing just two wickets along the way. From just before the halfway mark, it has been Root and Brook unbroken, their union 243. Along the way, the former captain secured both his 35th Test ton and went past Alastair Cook’s run-scoring record for England. When he reaches the top of those stairs one final time, he’s greeted by his appreciative colleagues. As for Brook – he just loves this country: in four Tests in Pakistan, he has four tons. And you sense that it’s the junior player in this partnership who could unload tomorrow morning to thrust England into the lead (they trail by 64) and from there, try and set up the game. Righto, that’s enough from me. Thanks so much for your company, we’ll be back tomorrow. Bye!
Updated
STUMPS: 492-3
101st over: England 492-3 (Root 176, Brook 141) Jamal to Root, square driving for one to the sweeper at point – he hobbles through, hoping surely that Brook does the rest. There might be one there when Brook drives hard to mid-off and there’s a bobble but Root throws the hand up – no run there, mate. Quite fair. One last lap for Root, 22 yards to travel, from the final ball of the day that Brook pulled behind square. And… relax!
The first Test in Multan is into its 250th over... Joe Root has spent eight balls off the field so far
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) October 9, 2024
