Harry Brook revealed that both he and Joe Root were unaware of the long-standing England partnership record they surpassed during the incredible fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan. Brook, who became England’s first batter to score a triple century in 34 years, partnered with Root to accumulate 454 runs, surpassing the previous record of 411 set by Colin Cowdrey and Peter May 57 years ago.
This remarkable stand helped England declare their innings at 823-7, the fourth-highest total in Test history. They then reduced Pakistan to 152-6, positioning themselves for an extraordinary victory in Multan.
Brook mentioned during an interview with BBC Test Match Special that both he and Root had asked each other about the partnership record but had no idea what it was. Brook's 317 made him the first England batter to surpass 300 runs since Graham Gooch did so in 1990. His partnership with fellow Yorkshireman Root also set the record for the highest fourth-wicket stand by any team, as well as the best Test partnership away from home.
Together, Brook and Root dominated the Pakistan bowlers, scoring 454 runs in just 522 balls. In comparison, May and Cowdrey faced 1,140 deliveries to set the previous record. Root shared that their long-standing cricketing relationship, both for Yorkshire and England, helped keep them motivated. He noted that Brook’s unintentional humour often lightened the mood, making it enjoyable to play together.
Brook added that they didn’t talk much while batting, aside from a fist bump in the middle, as they were both exhausted from the intense heat and physical demands of running between the wickets.
Staggering Stats from Multan
Brook’s triple century came in just 310 balls, making it the second-fastest in Test history, only behind Virender Sehwag’s 278-ball effort. England’s innings also marked the third time in Test history that two batters have scored 250 or more in the same innings. Remarkably, only one maiden was bowled in the entire 150-over innings, setting a new record for the fewest maidens in an innings lasting over 100 overs.