Harry Brook continues where he left off, featuring in his sixth Test century that steered England firmly ahead of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Joe Root achieved history as the leading run-getter for England. The partnership so far has helped take England’s total over 400 and onto a solid footing into the current Test.
That came to the controversy when Harry Brook was given out after a ball hit the stumps. His dismissal was watched again according to Law 29.2.2 of cricket, which says: “The movement of a bail, whether temporary or not, shall not be regarded as its actual removal from the top of the stumps, but if a bail-in falling lodges between two of the stumps, this shall be regarded as actual removal.”
In this case, even though the ball had grazed the stumps and caused the bails to swing a little, they settled back into their grooves. Under the law, this was not regarded as a dismissal, and Brook was given not out. This decision proved extremely significant because Brook continued his innings into an enormous century.
Brook then made the most of his let-off, playing some really good cricket and also showing great character as he went on to reach his sixth Test century. Even that knockout against Pakistan is more special because it has come in only his fourth out of six innings against the same opposition. He went past the milestone off 118 balls in aggressive cricket that maintained momentum firmly in favor of England, with great composure.
On the other end, Joe Root continued writing his name into cricketing history. Already this morning, Root surpassed Alastair Cook in the record books of having become England’s all-time leading run-scorer in Test cricket. This earned him a fitting precedent as one of England’s greatest-ever batsmen while atoning for consistency and service over many years.
Brook and Root were a match-winning combination and tried to negotiate Pakistan’s bowling unit with a great deal of precision. They reached the second half of the evening session without losing more than three wickets, the score well beyond 400 runs. It was tough for the opposition to manage any kind of breakthrough against this no-nonsense attacking-cum-cautious partnership.
Brook’s batting was a beautiful blend of cricketing style and crushing power, both defense and attack without any restraint. Brook played some beautiful drives and lofted shots which kept the scoreboard ticking at a good pace. Root played only a supporting role, anchoring the innings so that Brook could play with carefree attacking intent.
The bowlers from Pakistan were working hard with no breakthrough in the English batting. There was not much for the pacers to dislodge England’s batsmen and not much for the spinners to get out of this track, in terms of turn or bounce. The few opportunities they created did not quite result in breakthroughs and allowed England to play at their tempo.
Adding to their woes was the controversy over the non-dismissal of Brook that possibly would have given Pakistan back into the game. The bowlers looked visibly dejected with the decision, which was reflected in subsequent spells as they failed to get their stranglehold back.
It has earned their bowlers a huge cushion and put England in a dominating position. Harry Brook and Joe Root’s partnership didn’t just add runs to their kitty but signaled depth and strength into England’s batting lineup.
The way ahead for Pakistan in this Test seems tough. Their eyes will have to be focused on regrouping and then making out a disciplined bowling performance in England’s next innings. Early wickets will be the key for them to claw their way back into the game and prevent the English from getting a lead which would be impossible to retrieve.
This Test match would be special for the English contingent as they seem to be maintaining an excellent form that is sure to continue in red-ball cricket. Harry Brook seems to have emerged as a consistent performer, while Joe Root reinforced his legendary status by scoring a century. The milestones that both players achieved today underpin the marrying of fresh talent and seasoned acumen within the side.
As the match enters the next phase, England will look to capitalize on this good start and place pressure on Pakistan in their next batting innings. Here, very soon, the bowling fraternity will come into action as well, and England will look to convert their first-innings lead into a winning advantage.
The play of the day was characteristic of an ascendant England against Pakistan, brilliant Harry Brook and Joe Root. Brook’s sixth Test century and Root’s milestone have been a hallmark of a high standard in the series going on against Pakistan. With England in a command position, England is likely to maintain their momentum and keep pressure on Pakistan as the match unfolds.
Read About Pakistan’s Previous Day’s Performance
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