England on the Brink of Dominant Win as Pakistan Collapse on Day Four in Multan

Brook and Root's partnership of 454 is the fourth-highest in Test history. / Getty

England are on the cusp of a massive victory in the first Test against Pakistan in Multan, with the hosts teetering at 152/6 at the close of Day Four. Still trailing by 115 runs to avoid an innings defeat, Pakistan will need a miraculous effort on the final day to salvage the match after England's record-breaking performance with the bat.

Resuming their innings on 492/3, England powered ahead, thanks to a phenomenal partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root. The pair added a monumental 454 runs for the fourth wicket, propelling England to an astonishing total of 823/7 declared, their fourth-highest score in Test cricket history.

Brook stole the show, becoming the first England batter in 34 years to notch a triple century, finishing on 317 off 322 balls, decorated with an array of elegant strokes. Root was equally commanding, registering his career-best 262, marking his sixth Test double-century. Their partnership broke multiple records, including England's highest-ever stand for any wicket.

Pakistan's fielding woes compounded their problems, with dropped catches and misfields giving England extra lifelines. By the time Brook and Root were dismissed, the damage was well and truly done, with England holding a mammoth lead of 267.

No team has ever posted over 500 runs in the first innings and lost by an innings. / Getty

England's declaration left Pakistan with a daunting task, and Chris Woakes immediately set the tone by removing Abdullah Shafique with the first ball of the second innings. Pakistan's top order crumbled in the final session, as Gus Atkinson (2/28) and Brydon Carse (2/39) unleashed a hostile spell of pace bowling, reducing the hosts to 82/6.

Agha Salman (41*) and Aamir Jamal (27*) provided some late resistance, forging a vital unbeaten 70-run stand to take Pakistan to stumps, but the odds remain stacked heavily in England's favour. Pakistan's chances of avoiding defeat appear slim, with one full day left and a mountain of runs still to climb.

England’s dominant performance with both bat and ball has put them in prime position to secure another memorable victory on Pakistani soil, adding to their 3-0 series triumph just two years ago.

Scorecard:

• Pakistan 556 & 152/6 (37 overs)
• England 823/7 dec (Harry Brook 317, Joe Root 262)
• Pakistan trail by 115 runs

Day Five promises to be a thrilling conclusion, but England’s grip on the match seems unshakeable as they eye a statement win in the series opener.