Joe Root once again proved why he is one of the best in modern cricket by hitting a sensational double century in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. Root’s innings helped England dominate the match, with a partnership that shattered records and a performance that further solidified his place in cricket history.
Let’s take a closer look at the key moments and records broken by Joe Root during his incredible innings.
Joe Root’s Dominating Performance
During the fourth day of the Test match, Joe Root reached his double century, making it one of the highlights of the series. Facing 305 deliveries, Root demonstrated his trademark patience and technique. Pakistan, who posted a strong first-innings total of 556, were left struggling to maintain control as England surged ahead, eventually crossing 600 runs. Root’s performance was supported by teammate Harry Brook, and their partnership became one for the record books.
Breaking the Record for the Biggest England-Pakistan Test Partnership
Root’s batting masterclass alongside Harry Brook helped them surpass the previous record for the highest partnership in a Test match between England and Pakistan. The earlier record of 359 runs, set by Jos Buttler and Zak Crawley in 2020, was left behind as Root and Brook built a partnership exceeding 360 runs. Their combined efforts gave England a commanding lead, setting up a significant advantage in the match.
Most Double Centuries for England – Root Surpasses Alastair Cook
One of the biggest achievements of Joe Root’s career came during this innings as he surpassed former England captain Alastair Cook in terms of the number of double centuries scored for England. Root’s brilliant knock against Pakistan marked his sixth double century in Test cricket, placing him ahead of Cook, who had five.
Now, Root is just one behind Wally Hammond, the English cricketer who holds the record for the most double centuries for England with seven. It’s a milestone that places Root among the greatest English batsmen in history.
Root Becomes England’s Highest Run Scorer in Test Cricket
This Test match also saw Root achieve another personal milestone: becoming England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket. By surpassing Alastair Cook’s tally of 12,472 runs, Root cemented his place as England’s all-time leading run scorer in Test matches. Root has now scored over 12,500 runs, and his consistency over the years has made him the backbone of England’s batting line-up.
Joining the Fab Four – Root’s Rivalry with Kane Williamson
Joe Root’s double century also puts him in an elite club known as the “Fab Four” of modern-day cricket, which includes Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root himself. Among these four cricketing greats, Kohli leads with seven double centuries, but with this latest performance, Root has equalled Kane Williamson, both having six double centuries to their names.
This rivalry between the Fab Four adds an extra layer of excitement for cricket fans, as these four continue to compete with each other in terms of performance and records.
Matching Virender Sehwag’s Record
Joe Root’s innings didn’t just break England-specific records; it also saw him match an impressive record held by Indian legend Virender Sehwag. Root became only the second cricketer, after Sehwag, to score 250 or more runs in a Test match against Pakistan. This was Root’s second time achieving a score of 250 or more in Test cricket, putting him in a prestigious group of players who have consistently dominated on the global stage.
Root is also only the third English cricketer to have scored 250+ runs twice in Test cricket, joining an exclusive list of English greats. This achievement underscores his ability to perform under pressure and deliver when his team needs it most.
What’s Next for Joe Root?
Root’s remarkable innings against Pakistan has once again solidified his reputation as one of the most consistent and dependable players in modern cricket. His ability to play long innings, combined with his impressive technique, makes him a valuable asset for the England cricket team.
As Root continues to break records and set new benchmarks, fans and analysts alike are eagerly waiting to see how far he can take his career and what new milestones he will achieve.
