New Delhi, India

Joe Root continued his merry run and became England's highest Test run-scorer during the opening session of the first Test versus Pakistan in Multan on Wednesday (Oct 9). Root surpassed former England captain Alastair Cook's run-tally (12,472) to attain the historic feat. At the stroke of lunch, England ended the first session on Day 3 on a strong note, with Root unbeaten on 72 whereas opener Ben Duckett remained not out at 80 with England well-placed at 232 for 2 in response to Pakistan's 556. Root, who has three hundreds in his last ten innings, will look to go big in the second session.

Advertisment

Highest run-scorers for England in Tests:

Joe Root - 12,474*

Alastair Cook - 12,472

Advertisment

Graham Gooch - 8,900

Alec Stewart - 8,463

David Gower - 8,231

Advertisment

Kevin Pietersen - 8,181

Notably, Root already has the most Test centuries (34) for England, joint-sixth overall. 

×

The England Cricket Board's (ECB) official handle on X, formerly Twitter, also lauded Root for his recent landmark. ECB posted on X:

×

Also read: PAK vs ENG, 1st Test: WATCH | Aamer Jamal takes sensational one-handed catch to dismiss Ollie Pope

Talking about the first session on Day 3, England batters added 136 runs in 25 overs, and lost a wicket, as Root and Duckett put on an unbroken 119-run third-wicket stand, off 124 balls. The visitors look set to post a big total in reply to Pakistan's 556 on a surface which has a lot on offer for the batters. Earlier in the contest, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first. The Asian giants rode on skipper Shan Masood's 151, Abdullah Shafique's 102 and Agha Salman's 104 not out to post a humongous total.