England Tightens Grip on Multan Test

News Desk

Multan: England tightened their hold on the fourth day of the first Test at Multan Cricket Stadium, with Pakistan teetering at 152/6, still trailing by 115 runs and staring at the possibility of an innings defeat.

Starting their second innings with a daunting 267-run deficit, Pakistan faltered early, losing six wickets for just 82 runs in 24.2 overs. Salman Ali Agha (41 not out) and Aamir Jamal (27 not out) offered some resistance, adding an unbeaten 70-run partnership for the seventh wicket. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the damage inflicted by England’s bowlers, with Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson each taking two wickets to put the hosts on the defensive.

Earlier in the day, England resumed their first innings at 492/3, with Joe Root and Harry Brook continuing their record-breaking 454-run partnership, the fourth-highest in Test history. Root posted a commanding 262, his sixth double century and second against Pakistan, while Brook stole the spotlight with a brilliant 317, becoming only the sixth England player to score a triple century.

England declared their innings at a mammoth 823/7, registering the fourth-highest team total in Test cricket. Naseem Shah and Saim Ayub claimed two wickets each for Pakistan, but their efforts were eclipsed by England’s dominance.

With Pakistan fighting to avoid an innings defeat, England remains firmly in control as the final day approaches, poised to secure a comprehensive victory and take the lead in the series.