The recent Pakistan vs England Test match in Multan broke many assumptions about home-ground advantages. Despite favorable conditions, Pakistan, after scoring a massive 556 runs in their first innings, suffered an innings defeat on the fifth day. This defeat made Pakistan the first team to lose by an innings despite scoring over 500 runs in a Test match.
Harry Brook and Joe Root Shine
Harry Brook, who had previously dominated in Pakistan with 468 runs in a three-match series two years ago, continued his stunning form by scoring a blazing triple century in this match. He became the sixth English batsman to achieve this feat, amassing an unbeaten 317 runs, including 29 fours and 3 sixes, in intense 36-degree heat. Brook’s effort was complemented by Joe Root, who added 262 runs, marking his 35th Test century. The pair built a formidable 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket, taking England out of a tricky position and making Root the highest run-scorer for England, placing him 6th on the all-time Test runs list.
England’s Aggressive Batting: 823 Runs in 150 Overs
Under Brendon McCullum’s leadership, England adopted an aggressive “Bazball” approach. In response to Pakistan’s 556, the English batsmen maintained a high run rate. Zak Crawley (78 off 85 balls) and Ben Duckett (84 off 75 balls) led the charge, with every England batsman making the most of the conditions. The team piled up 823 runs in just 150 overs, taking full advantage of Pakistan’s bowlers and the flat pitch.
Endurance in Extreme Conditions
Winning a Test match away from home is considered challenging, and even more so in the 36-degree Celsius heat of Multan. England’s players, after bowling and fielding for two days, managed to rack up a massive total under such conditions. Players regularly received water, energy drinks, and gloves, with even injured captain Ben Stokes helping by bringing drinks. Joe Root was seen changing his gloves every two overs due to sweat, and a viral image on social media showed his kit drying on the boundary. Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed even had to be hospitalized due to the extreme heat.
England’s Bowling in the Second Innings
On the same pitch where over 800 runs were scored, England’s bowlers performed brilliantly, wrapping up Pakistan’s second innings for just 220 runs in 55 overs. Jack Leach took 4 wickets, while Gus Atkinson and debutant Brayden Kars picked up 2 wickets each. England’s inexperienced bowlers dismissed Pakistan in just three and a half hours, securing a comprehensive win.
Victory Without Key Players
Despite missing key players like captain Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and experienced bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson (due to retirement), along with Mark Wood and Jofra Archer (due to injuries), England still managed to secure a stunning victory. Ollie Pope captained the side in Stokes’ absence, and debutant Braydon Kars contributed to the win, showing the depth of England’s squad and their resilience in difficult conditions.
