England's batting maestro Joe Root has etched his name in the history books of the World Test Championship (WTC). During the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, Root achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the first-ever cricketer to score 5000 runs in the WTC.
Joe Root scripts history, becomes first batter to clock 5000 WTC runs
Root's consistent performances over the past few years have propelled him to this milestone. Needing just 27 runs to reach the 5000-run mark, Root accomplished it during the third session of the second day in the Multan Test.
His dominance in the WTC is undeniable. Root stands far above the competition, with Australia's Marnus Labuschagne being the closest contender with 3904 runs.
Most runs in WTC history:
1 - Joe Root: 5000* runs in 59 Tests
2 - Marnus Labuschagne: 3904 runs in 45 Tests
3 - Steve Smith: 3486 runs in 45 Tests
4 - Ben Stokes: 3101 runs in 48 Tests
5 - Babar Azam: 2755 runs in 32 Tests
Pakistan dominates Day Two of Multan Test
Pakistan continued their strong performance in the first Test against England in Multan, amassing a total of 556 runs in their first innings. Three Pakistani batsmen, including captain Shan Masood, opener Abdullah Shafique, and all-rounder Agha Salman, scored centuries, marking only the fourth time this has happened in a Test against England.
Masood and Shafique formed a formidable partnership for the second wicket, scoring 253 runs together. Masood, the more aggressive of the two, ended a 1500-day century drought with a quickfire hundred in 102 balls. Abdullah also reached his fourth Test century with a six off Jack Leach on the first day.
While Masood and Shafique were dismissed on the opening day, Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman continued the momentum on the second day. Shakeel narrowly missed a century, scoring 82 runs, but Salman's impressive century helped Pakistan reach their final total in the third session of the day.
Salman Agha clocks personal milestone
Salman Agha's impressive 104-run knock not only contributed to Pakistan's strong total but also marked a significant personal milestone. In just his 15th Test match, Agha surpassed 1,000 Test runs, accumulating a total of 1,033 runs at an impressive average of 46.95. His tally includes three centuries and seven fifties, showcasing his consistent performance and ability to deliver under pressure.
The century against England was a notable achievement for Agha, as it was his first fifty-plus score against them in Tests. His overall record against England is impressive, with 288 runs at a solid average of 57.60.
