PAK vs ENG: Fans stunned as Joe Root lights up Multan with two-star century on day 4 of first Test

Joe Root added another chapter to his amazing test career with a double century on day 4 of the first test against him. Pakistan in Multan. This was his sixth doubleton in Test cricket, breaking his tie Alastair Cook and placing him only the second time Wally Hammond among English players. Root’s innings not only guided England through a challenging first innings but also cemented his place as one of the greatest Test batsmen of all time. His masterful class against Pakistan’s powerful attack further demonstrated his ability to perform well in all situations.

Record-chasing Joe Root: Sixth century double puts him among England’s elite

Root’s knock in Multan not only helped England take on Pakistan but also put him within striking distance of another famous England record. His six hundred years puts him just shy of Hammond’s seventh tally. In addition, Root’s 35th Test century saw him surpass other big names of the game, including Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara again Mahela Jayawardene, who received 34 tons each. Root’s hunger for runs shows no signs of abating as he continues to climb the ranks of cricket.

Evaluating Rahul Dravid’s record: Root’s consistency in Test cricket

Root’s two years also allowed him to equal another prestigious record. He joined Rahul Dravid with 99 scores of 50 or more in Test matches, which ranks him third on the all-time list. Only Sachin Tendulkar, Jacques Kallis again Ricky Ponting they have achieved this more times than Root and Dravid. This consistency over the years has been a hallmark of Root’s career, and his ability to deliver under pressure has earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable Test batsmen of the modern era.

ALSO READ: Alastair Cook names Joe Root’s next record to break after England milestone

Root’s century formed the basis of England’s response to Pakistan

When it came to the crease on Day 2, Root showed patience and accuracy as his partner Zak Crawley to get England past 100 on Day 3. Crawley’s dismissal for 78 did nothing to stop Root’s momentum. Root continued to accumulate runs and brought up his century after lunch, in 167 balls. He then established a crucial partnership of 136 runs Ben Duckett (84), followed by the remarkable standing of the double century with Harry Brook. Root’s ability to rotate the strike and manage Pakistan’s spinners kept the pressure on the hosts, setting the stage for a strong English response.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Most Double Hundred by the Fab Four:

Virat Kohli – 7
Kane Williamson – 6
Joe Root – 6*
Steven Smith – 4

Root may touch Virat on this tour of Pakistan itself.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) October 10, 2024

Another double hundred for Joe Root. So now he has two hundreds in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand and England. Others run this habit of scoring goals.
About the red…

– Spandan Roy (@talksports45) October 10, 2024

Six hundred is twice as big @impande66 for @englandcricket – something true pic.twitter.com/EDZb9xMrgq

— Paul Rumens (@plsoj85) October 10, 2024

Another milestone has been passed and the first Englishman to do so 🙌

What a servant @impande66 he went to his country 👏#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/VGjlQKYtSm

— PCA (@PCA) October 10, 2024

Jitni backwas bowling hai or jaisi pitch hai looks three centuries (300) loading @impande66 ..Yes you heard it 1st here.
Go get 300 #Roots@_FaridKhan @KP24 @MichaelVaughan #Pakistan tone #PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/TjIqJiNF9D

– Satvinder Meel (@s4sattu) October 10, 2024

If @ECB_cricket it does not mean that it is more likely @impande66 can break the record for the highest score each. I have faith in his batting and of course, in @TheRealPCB bowlers once.

This wicket is dead. It does not bode well for the future of test cricket.#PAKvENG

– Harish (@Harishjha97) October 10, 2024

Good to see @elitebandwagon to celebrate @impande66 Latest two hundred in Multan 💯💯👏👏👏

– Cricket 🏏 (@Cricketnut4) October 10, 2024

Don’t miss those days when you wake up to a good morning message. These days all you wake up to is “Joe Root got 50, 100 or 200”. pic.twitter.com/AU7DTg4TvN

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) October 10, 2024

Joe Root has a dream run in test cricket. He’s in his league. pic.twitter.com/Ay8YkGm8I3

– RATNISH (@LoyalSachinFan) October 10, 2024

Root’s record breaking continues. He now reaches his sixth double century in Tests, equaling Tendulkar, Miandad, Ponting, Williamson, Atapattu, Sehwag and Younis Khan.

It’s an Asian treble for him – 218 in Chennai, 228 in Galle, and 200* in Multan. pic.twitter.com/SieZOMTmde

— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) October 10, 2024

6️⃣th Double Hundred for Joe Root 👊🏏#cricket #PAKvENG #JoeRoot #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/vPXWWS7luw

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 10, 2024

He did it in the very first inning, got 200 fukin 😭❤️

The scapegoat of England cricket, He has never let me down.

Go ahead @impande66 ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8lvLDX0PpY

– Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 10, 2024

What an incredible 200 classic it is @impande66! It showed his ability and determination. However, it’s a shame about what’s going down so disappointingly @babarazam258 moments like that can really change the momentum in a game. Let’s hope he comes back strong!

– Aqua de Vida (@Waq_Ar) October 10, 2024

It’s bright! Well done @impande66 Root! 😎
Great answer from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏

— Tim Cresswell 💙💉🇬🇧🇪🇺🇰🇪❄️🇺🇦 (@tcresswell) October 10, 2024

Root overtakes Alastair Cook to become England’s leading run-scorer in Tests

In the process of building his double century, Root achieved the milestone by passing Alastair CookThe record for being England’s all-time leading goalscorer. Root now sits atop the list with over 12,472 runs, joining the likes of Tendulkar, Ponting and Dravid among the world’s most prolific Test batsmen. This success speaks to Root’s longevity and adaptability, which he has excelled at in various situations around the world, making him one of the most respected figures in modern cricket.

Root’s fifth century in 2024: Re-leading England’s batting

Root’s century at Multan was his fifth in 2024, making him joint leader Kamindu Mendis in hundreds of tests this year. Although he has played three Tests for Pakistan before, this was Root’s first century for the country, highlighting his versatility in the subcontinent’s challenging conditions. The way he reacted after reaching the milestone, kissing the badge on his helmet and acknowledging the locker room, showed his focus on the job at hand rather than personal accolades.

England batting again led by Root and Harry Brook

England resumed Day 4 on 492/3, with Root unbeaten on 176 and Harry Brook on 141, following Pakistan’s first innings total of 556. Root and Brook remained unfazed by the Pakistan attack, building on their already impressive partnership. Brook completed his century, his fourth against Pakistan, while Root went on to complete his double century. Despite being dropped by Babar Azam and the absence of a leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed due to illness, Pakistan’s bowling lacked the edge needed to disrupt England’s momentum, allowing Root to strengthen the innings.

ALSO READ: PAK vs ENG: Fans roar as Joe Root breaks Alastair Cook’s England record on day 3 of first Test