Joe Root added another chapter to his illustrious Test career with a monumental double-century on Day 4 of the first Test against Pakistan in Multan. This marked his sixth double-ton in Test cricket, breaking his tie with Alastair Cook and placing him second only to 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 batters of all time. His masterclass against a potent Pakistan attack further demonstrated his ability to excel in all conditions.

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

Root’s knock in Multan not only helped England fight back against Pakistan but also put him within touching distance of another legendary English record. His sixth double-century places him just one shy of Hammond’s tally of seven. Furthermore, Root’s 35th Test century saw him surpass some of the game’s biggest names, including Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara and Mahela Jayawardene, who each scored 34 tons. Root’s hunger for runs shows no signs of diminishing as he continues to climb the ranks of cricketing greats.

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

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

Also READ: Alastair Cook names the next record Joe Root will break after England milestone

Root’s century lays foundation for England’s response to Pakistan

Arriving at the crease on Day 2, Root exhibited patience and precision as he partnered with Zak Crawley to take England past 100 on Day 3. Crawley’s dismissal for 78 did little to halt Root’s momentum. Root continued to accumulate runs and brought up his century after lunch, off 167 balls. He then formed a crucial 136-run partnership with Ben Duckett (84), followed by an imposing double-century stand with Harry Brook. Root’s ability to rotate 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 Hundreds by Fab Four:

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

Root might touch Virat in this Pakistan tour itself.

— Aditya Saha (@Adityakrsaha) October 10, 2024

Another double hundred for Joe Root. So now he has a double hundred in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand and England. Some run scoring habit this.. Also now has 20017, international runs to his name, the 12th highest run getter in international cricket.
With respect to red…

— Spandan Roy (@talksports45) October 10, 2024

A sixth double hundred for the great @root66 for @englandcricket – a true phenomenon pic.twitter.com/EDZb9xMrgq

— Paul Rumens (@plsoj85) October 10, 2024

Yet another landmark passed & the first English man to do so 🙌

What a servant @root66 has been to his country 👏#PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/VGjlQKYtSm

— PCA (@PCA) October 10, 2024

Jitni backwas bowling hai or jaisi pitch hai it looks triple century (300) loading for @root66 ..Yes u heard it 1st here.
Go get 300 #Rooty@_FaridKhan @KP24 @MichaelVaughan #Pakistan pitch #PAKvsENG pic.twitter.com/TjIqJiNF9D

— Satvinder Meel (@s4sattu) October 10, 2024

If @ECB_cricket doesn’t declare there is a very high chance that @root66 can break the record of the highest individual score. I have faith in his batting and of course, in @TheRealPCB bowlers as well.

This wicket is dead. Not good for the future of test cricket.#PAKvENG

— Harish (@Harishjha97) October 10, 2024

Good to see @elitebandwagon celebrating @root66 ‘s latest double hundred in Multan 💯💯👏👏👏

— Cricketnut 🏏 (@Cricketnut4) October 10, 2024

Miss those days when you wake up to a good morning message. Nowadays all you wake up to is “Joe Root scored a 50, 100 or 200”. pic.twitter.com/AU7DTg4TvN

— Heisenberg ☢ (@internetumpire) October 10, 2024

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

— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) October 10, 2024

Root’s record-breaking streak continues. He now reaches his sixth double century in Tests, levelling with 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 very 1st inning, he scored fukin 200 😭❤️

The GOAT of England Cricket, He never dissapoints me.

Keep going @root66 ❤️ https://t.co/iPXbiqzmcR pic.twitter.com/8lvLDX0PpY

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) October 10, 2024

What an incredible classic 200 from @root66! It showcased his skill and determination. However, it’s a shame about that disappointing drop by @babarazam258 such moments can really shift the momentum in a game. Let’s hope he bounces back strong!

— Aqua dé Vida (@Waq_Ar) October 10, 2024

Brilliant! Well done @root66 Root! 😎
Great reply from England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏏

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

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

In the process of building his double-century, Root achieved a significant milestone by surpassing Alastair Cook’s record to become England’s all-time leading Test run-scorer. 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 batters. This achievement speaks to Root’s longevity and adaptability, having excelled in varying conditions across the globe, making him one of the most respected figures in modern cricket.

Root’s fifth century in 2024: Leading England’s batting renaissance

Root’s century in Multan was his fifth in 2024, making him the joint leader with Kamindu Mendis for the most Test hundreds this year. Despite having played three Tests in Pakistan previously, this was Root’s first century in the country, highlighting his adaptability in challenging subcontinent conditions. His composed reaction after reaching the milestone, kissing the badge on his helmet and acknowledging the dressing room, reflected his focus on the task at hand rather than personal accolades.

England’s batting resurgence led by Root and Harry Brook

England resumed Day 4 on 492/3, with Root unbeaten on 176 and Harry Brook on 141, trailing Pakistan’s first-innings total of 556. Root and Brook remained unfazed by Pakistan’s 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 a dropped catch by Babar Azam and the absence of leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed due to illness, Pakistan’s bowling lacked the cutting edge needed to disrupt England’s momentum, allowing Root to anchor the innings.

Also READ: PAK vs ENG: Fans roar as Joe Root breaks Alastair Cook’s all-time record for England on Day 3 of first Test

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