Harry Brook Breaks 34-Year Triple Century Drought for England

Harry Brook revealed that he and Joe Root were unaware of the long-standing England partnership record they broke during a remarkable fourth day of the first Test against Pakistan. Brook, who became England’s first triple centurion in 34 years, partnered with Root to set a new record of 454 runs surpassing the previous best of 411 runs established by Colin Cowdrey and Peter May 57 years ago.

England declared at an impressive 823-7, the fourth-highest total in Test history before reducing Pakistan to 152-6, edging closer to an extraordinary victory in Multan. Brook’s monumental score of 317 marked the first 300-plus innings for England since Graham Gooch in 1990 and was only the sixth triple hundred by an England batter. The partnership with Root established a new record for the highest fourth-wicket stand in Test history.

This achievement is particularly notable as it was set by a pair playing away from home. They dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack, scoring 454 runs off 522 balls compared to the 1,140 balls it took Cowdrey and May for their record. Root scored 262 runs, marking his highest Test score and displayed remarkable determination, as only 68 of those runs came from boundaries.

Meanwhile, Harry Brook showcased his aggressive style with 29 fours and three sixes, confirming his status as a rising star. Former England captain Nasser Hussain praised Brook, stating he combines the shots of Kevin Pietersen with the rhythm and hunger of Root. Both batsmen benefited from a remarkably flat pitch in Multan which provided minimal swing and turn.

Despite showing some signs of deterioration, analysts rated the pitch as the eighth-flattest in the first four days of a Test since 2007, further aiding their record-setting performance.