England took command of the first Test on Day 4, surpassing Pakistan’s first innings total of 556 with seven wickets in hand.
Overnight centurions Joe Root and Harry Brook continued their impressive form, scoring nearly a run a ball in the opening session and adding 166 runs in just 29 overs, marking the 16th 400-run partnership in Test history.
By the time the session ended, England had established a 103-run lead, with Root on the verge of his maiden Test triple century, having already eclipsed his previous best of 254.
However, the day could have unfolded quite differently if Babar Azam had held onto a simple catch in the fourth over.As the batters adjusted to the Multan heat, Root approached the 200-run mark when Naseem Shah bowled a back-of-a-length delivery in his 23rd over.
Root attempted a powerful pull shot but overlooked the fielder at short midwicket. Babar, positioned perfectly for the catch, failed to react in time, allowing the ball to slip through his hands.
This is how Babar Azam dropped a dolly catch of Joe Root before double hundred #PAKvENG pic.twitter.com/8e3i5vYnXY
— Ahmed Jadoon (@AhmedJadoon099) October 10, 2024
Both Naseem and Babar were visibly upset, while Root couldn’t help but smile, a reaction shared by many on social media.