In a stunning display of batting prowess, England declared their first innings at an incredible **823 for 7** against Pakistan in the first Test at Multan, setting a remarkable milestone in the cricketing world. This achievement not only marks the **highest team total of the century** but also stands as the **fourth-highest in Test cricket history**. The innings was led by Harry Brook, who delivered a dazzling performance with a magnificent **317 runs**, while Joe Root contributed a career-best **262** to this monumental total.
Brook's innings was particularly historic; his **317** runs came at a breathtaking pace, making his triple century the **second-fastest in Test history**, surpassed only by Virender Sehwag's explosive **300**. This extraordinary feat places Brook among an elite group, as he became just the sixth English batsman to surpass the **300-run mark** in an innings. His partnership with Root formed a formidable backbone for England's innings, overwhelming Pakistan's bowling attack on a pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers.
Root’s composed **262** complemented Brook's aggressive stroke play, allowing the duo to pile on runs at a rapid rate and help England declare with a commanding lead of **267 runs**. This declaration came after Pakistan had posted a competitive **556** runs earlier, putting the home team in a challenging position as they now aim to save the match. England's impressive innings stands as a testament to their batting depth and resilience in the face of pressure.
The significance of England's innings is underscored by its historical context. The **823 for 7** declared is now England's highest total against Pakistan, surpassing the previous record of **790/3** set by the West Indies in **1958**. Additionally, this inning represents England's highest total under the coaching of Brendon McCullum, eclipsing their previous best of **657 all out** achieved during the last tour of Pakistan in Rawalpindi. This remarkable performance also outshines the **592** runs scored against Australia during the **2023 Ashes** series, highlighting England's current dominance in the Test format.
England's total of **823** is now their second-highest in Test history, falling just short of the iconic **903/7 declared** against Australia at The Oval in **1938**, a match that featured a legendary innings from Sir Leonard Hutton, who scored an astonishing **364** runs. This monumental performance by England places them in an exclusive club of only four teams to have exceeded the **800-run mark** in Test cricket. Sri Lanka's **952/6 declared** against India in **1997** remains the highest total in the annals of Test cricket, while England's achievement further solidifies their position among the cricketing elite who have accomplished such feats.
As the match progresses, England will now look to their bowlers to secure a result on a pitch that has heavily favored batters thus far. Pakistan, having already endured a grueling **150 overs** in the field, faces an uphill battle to avoid defeat in this opening Test of the series. The stage is set for an intriguing contest, with England firmly in the driver's seat and Pakistan needing to dig deep to salvage a draw. With only a few sessions left, the pressure mounts on the Pakistani batsmen to rise to the occasion and deliver a performance that can withstand the relentless onslaught from the formidable English bowling attack. This Test match in Multan has already delivered moments of brilliance and historic achievements, making it a memorable chapter in the rich tapestry of cricket history.
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