England vs Pakistan: Joe Root equals Sachin Tendulkar's record for most Test fifties
With his 68th fifty, Root joined Tendulkar at the top of the list for most 50-plus scores in Test cricket. West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul follows with 66 fifties, while former Australia captain Allan Border and India great Rahul Dravid have 63 each. Root also…
With his 68th fifty, Root joined Tendulkar at the top of the list for most 50-plus scores in Test cricket. West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul follows with 66 fifties, while former Australia captain Allan Border and India great Rahul Dravid have 63 each.
Root also moved up the list of most 50-plus scores as captain in Tests, with his 42nd such score putting him fifth in the elite record. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith leads the chart with 61, followed by Ricky Ponting (54), Border (51).
What Happened
Root's latest milestone adds to his remarkable Test career and further strengthens his position among the format's leading run-scorers. The England batter is also chasing Tendulkar's ultimate milestone of the most runs in Test cricket.
Root's side will now look to build a sizeable first-innings lead and put further pressure on Pakistan.
The Test also marks the return of Joe Root as England's captain following Ben Stokes' retirement.
Pakistan's innings received some resistance from Abdullah Shafique, who scored 61, but England's pace attack kept the pressure on and dismissed the visitors for a modest total.
Key Details
The Three Lions strengthened their position against Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley on Thursday, reaching 205/4 in their first innings and taking a 34-run lead. England had resumed Day 2 at 112/2, still 59 runs behind Pakistan's first-innings total of.
Robinson finished with figures of 5/51, while Tongue returned 5/46 as Pakistan's batting line-up struggled in the conditions.
Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue starred with the ball, claiming five wickets apiece.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 171 in their first innings after England won the toss and opted to bowl.
Why It Matters
Jordan Cox and Joe Root then put together a century partnership to put the hosts firmly in control. Cox scored 73 before being dismissed by Ali Usman, while Root followed soon after for 66 off 112 deliveries, with 10 fours.
Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence were at the crease with England on 205/4, with the hosts holding a 34-run lead.
Root and Cox's partnership helped England move past Pakistan's total before both batters departed in quick succession.
What Reports Say
Coverage of the story so far points to:
Continued reporting by India Today as more details emerge
