Brook’s Triple Ton & Leach’s Spin Seal Historic Innings Win as England Defy the Impossible in Multan

In a remarkable turn of events, England sealed a crushing victory in the first Test against Pakistan, winning by an innings and 47 runs despite Pakistan posting an imposing 556 in their first innings. The result was a testament to England’s dominant batting display, with Harry Brook’s record-breaking triple-century and Joe Root’s scintillating 262 powering them to an insurmountable 823 for 7 declared.

Pakistan, despite a valiant first-innings effort, collapsed spectacularly in their second innings, falling to 220 all out before lunch on day five. Jack Leach starred with the ball, taking four wickets, including the key dismissals that wrapped up the game. England’s win was sealed in the morning session, with Pakistan’s late resistance—built around a gritty 63 from Salman Agha and a robust 55* from Aamer Jamal—proving insufficient.

England’s Batting onslaught

The game was set up by England’s epic batting effort. Harry Brook’s unprecedented 317, combined with Joe Root’s majestic 262, propelled the visitors to one of the highest scores in Test history, leaving Pakistan facing a daunting challenge. Ben Duckett (84) and Zak Crawley (78) also contributed with valuable runs, as England’s batsmen piled on the runs in a breathtaking display of aggression and skill.

The total of 823 for 7 declared was a record-breaking effort, the fourth-highest in Test history, and left Pakistan needing to bat out an improbable total on a pitch that, while still offering some assistance to the bowlers, remained largely good for batting.

Pakistan’s Defeat

Pakistan’s first innings effort, while commendable, ultimately wasn’t enough. Imam-ul-Haq’s opening salvo helped them post 556, with Abdullah Shafique (102), Shan Masood (151), and Salman Agha (104*) standing out in a strong fightback. However, the overwhelming score by England set a mountain too steep for the hosts, and the team’s collapse on the fourth afternoon made victory a distant dream.

Resuming the fifth day at 152 for 6 in their second innings, Pakistan’s hopes of salvaging any pride were dashed early. Leach, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, quickly struck to trap Salman LBW. Two more wickets soon followed, and despite a brave resistance from Salman and Jamal, Pakistan’s fate was sealed.

Salman, who had been impressive earlier with the bat, fought hard to reach fifty, and Jamal, who had also impressed with a quickfire 55* in the second innings, showed resilience under pressure, facing a barrage of short balls from England’s fast bowlers. However, Leach and the seamers broke through with decisive strikes. Aamer Jamal’s brave efforts ended when he edged one from Leach, and soon after, Shaheen Afridi was dismissed, sealing Pakistan’s defeat.

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Historic Win for England

The victory, England’s second ever by an innings in Asia, was set up by an extraordinary batting effort, followed by clinical bowling. Jack Leach’s four-wicket haul in the second innings and the overall team performance marked one of the most remarkable wins in Test cricket history, leaving Pakistan with much to ponder. 

For Pakistan, the defeat was a bitter blow. This marked their sixth consecutive loss under the captaincy of Shan Masood, extending a winless streak at home that stretches back to February 2021.

A Brief Scorecard of the Match 

England: 823/7 dec (Brook 317, Root 262, Duckett 84, Crawley 78)  

Pakistan: 556 (Masood 151, Salman 104*, Shafique 102) and 220 all out (Salman 63, Jamal 55*, Leach 4/30)

England defeated Pakistan by an innings and 47 runs