England have extended their lead to 489 as they close in on a series-levelling victory against Pakistan in their second Test at Old Trafford.
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Earlier, England gained a huge first-innings lead of 391 after Pakistan were bowled out for just 198 in reply to England’s 589 for 8 declared.
Earlier, Root went serenely past 150 as England moved on to 427 for five at lunch on the second day of the second test against Pakistan in Manchester on Saturday.
Root was given a rousing reception from the Old Trafford faithful after reaching his double hundred, and the Yorkshireman paid tribute to both the crowd and all-rounder Woakes, who is fast becoming England’s go-to man.
“I worked really hard today, to graft – maybe not score at the rate I have done previously over the last couple of years, but if that’s what it’s going to take to score big hundreds that’s what I’m going to have to do”. That’s why I was so revved up when I got to 200. Pakistani bowling attack looked down and dusted.
Rain continually interrupted the day’s play as England continued their good work to make their way through the Pakistani batting line up, and there was surprise when Cook elected to enforce the follow-on rather than make the most of the awkward batting conditions.
It was Woakes, who had started the day alongside Root at the crease, who claimed three of those wickets during the 24 tortuous overs Pakistan were forced to endure in the evening session.
“We’re in the driving seat of this game and we think by keeping them under pressure we will dominate”.
“But Chris played outstandingly well this morning, and then the guys who came in afterwards continued that”.
Pakistan were wobbling on 48 for three when Ben Stokes, playing his first Test since knee surgery in late May, had key batsman Younis Khan caught down the legside for one by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. Australia great Shane Warne, meanwhile, speculated that the decision had been taken out of Cook’s hands.
In total, Root batted for 10 hours 18 minutes, facing 406 balls, including 27 fours.
This series has seen Root promoted to number three, a position occupied in many Test sides by a team’s best batsman. The duo put on 60 with some targeting of Ali but the offspinner had the final say by taking both wickets and finishing the innings.
Pakistan batting coach Grant Flower insisted being kept in the field for a long time was no excuse for the tourists’ collapse. “That was extremely damaging and it wasn’t good enough”, he said.
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“Not having to probably gives us a slightly better chance but we have to bat damn well to save this match”. “But that’s what happens in Test cricket, so it’s no excuse”. “But that’s what happens in Test cricket, so it’s no excuse”.
