Woakes has now taken 4 for 42, having captured three wickets on Saturday as Pakistan slumped to 57 for 4 by stumps on the second day.
Advertisement
With this double century, Root became the first England batsman to hit a double-century against Pakistan in a home Test since Denis Compton’s 278 at Trent Bridge in 1954.
Delighted after seeing his hard work finally paying off, England batsman Joe Root has said he felt extremely satisfied after putting his side on course for a series-levelling win against Pakistan at the Old Trafford.
Joe Root chats with Misbahul Haq (R) as they walk off for tea at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester, England on July 23, 2016.
Rain delays affected the momentum of proceedings but when play was possible, Cook and Hales put on 50 in 69 deliveries before the latter edged Mohammad Amir behind to Sarfraz for 24.
At 314/4 and Root unbeaten on 141, England will look to capitalise and set up a big total before Pakistan come in to bat for the first innings.
That reduced the time England had to bowl Pakistan out again, although there were, in fairness, still more than two days remaining in the match. “It’s very nice to get a big score early on batting at three, and I hope it’s the first of a few”, Root said. We thought that while we were in such a good position, bat while the wicket is very good.
Joe Root made sure the payback was complete, to himself and his team, as his career-best 254 put England nearly out of sight against Pakistan at Old Trafford.
Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower insisted being kept in the field for a long time was no excuse for the tourists’ collapse.
Ben Stokes, back following a knee injury, then had the experienced Younis caught down the legside by wicket-keeper Bairstow.
However, Misbah was a stubborn presence, and amassed 52 runs before he fell with Pakistan on 179, and Wahab RIaz’s dismissal at the hands of Ali saw the visitors finish on 198 all out, giving England a lead of 198, who then chose to bat again rather than enforce the follow-on.
“There was weariness and a huge score like that plays mind tricks”, he said.
Sarfraz Ahmed may have come in at 76 for 6 but the wicketkeeper saw no reason to change his attacking game and got off the mark when he cut Broad just over the head of Hales for four.
Misbah went on to complete his fifty but he was soon caught at short fine leg off Moeen Ali (2-43) trying to slog sweep in the 60th over.
Mohammad Amir, another of Pakistan’s left-arm quicks, was uppercut for six high over third man by Woakes.
Advertisement
England now lead by 391 runs and look to be in a commanding position, as they went in to bat instead of forcing Pakistan to follow on.
