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The 'BazBall' approach was on display on a flat Rawalpindi pitch on Day 1 of the first of three-Test series against Pakistan. After recovering from a bug just hours before the game, England batters feasted upon an inexperienced Pakistan pace attack as they broke a record that was created more than a century ago by Australia. England posted a mammoth total of 506/4 before low light intervened to save hosts from further humiliation.
With four centuries on Day 1, Ben Stokes-led England broke South Africa's record of highest score on Day 1. Clem Hill-led side piled on 494 runs on Day 1 for the loss of six wickets against a hapless South African bowling lineup with the help of centuries from opener Warren Bardsley (132) and skipper Hill (191).
The openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett set the tone as they got to the 100-run mark in the 14th over. They ended up scoring 174 runs in the first session setting a record on Day 1 of a Test. The onslaught continued as head coach Brendon McCullum had a smile on his face in the England dressing room.
Soon enough, Crawley got to his century from 86 balls. This is the fastest century for an England opener in the format. Duckett got to his century as well as Babar Azam hoped for a breakthrough. They shared a 233-run opening partnership, the highest for England against Pakistan.
Batting at no.3, Ollie Pope cashed in on a good start while Joe Root (23) missed out on a big score. Pope scored 108 runs from 104 deliveries and got out few overs before the day’s play came to an end. Meanwhile, Harry Brook seemed like he was venting out his frustration after getting out cheaply in T20 World Cup 2022 final against Pakistan. He became only the fourth batter after Chris Gayle, Sanath Jayasuriya and Ramanaresh Sarwan to hit six consecutive fours in Test cricket.
Brook had a chance to break Gilbert Jessop's record which was created in 1902. Jessop had scored a century from just 76 deliveries in the Ashes. Brook missed out on the record but remained unbeaten for 101 from 81 deliveries. He got to three figures from 80 deliveries, the third-fastest for England in the format. On the other end, skipper Stokes batted with a strike rate like none other. The southpaw smashed six fours and one six in the 15-ball 34.
England were looking like they will break the record most runs scored on a day. England scored 588 runs for the loss of six wickets on Day 2 of a Test against India in 1936 which could have been broken if it wasn’t for bad light.
