Oct 10, V7N- Pakistan found themselves struggling at 152-6 by tea on the fourth day of the first Test, fighting to avoid an innings defeat against England. This came after Harry Brook's monumental 371 and Joe Root's 262 helped England declare at a staggering 823-7. The duo put on a record-breaking 454-run partnership for the fourth wicket, pushing England to the fourth-highest total in Test cricket history.

Brook and Root's brilliance left Pakistan with a massive task after England gained a 267-run lead over their first innings score of 556. England's Chris Woakes struck early, dismissing opener Abdullah Shafique with the very first ball of Pakistan's second innings. Captain Shan Masood and Saim Ayub, both offered lifelines by England’s fielders, remained unbeaten at 10 and 13, respectively, with Pakistan still 244 runs behind to force England to bat again.

Brook completed his maiden triple century, knocking 29 boundaries and three sixes before falling for 371, while Root continued his run-fest, surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s highest Test run-scorer, but missing out on a triple hundred himself, trapped leg-before for 262 after a 10-hour marathon at the crease. Their partnership eclipsed England's previous fourth-wicket record, and also ranks as the fourth highest in Test history.

Pakistan's bowlers, Ayub and Naseem Shah, shared two wickets apiece, but struggled to contain England’s dominance on the flat Multan pitch. With Abrar Ahmed absent due to illness, Pakistan will need a monumental effort to avoid defeat in this match.

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