After an inspiring performance in the first Test, Pakistan played the second Test as they went straight to Old Trafford, after landing in England. They looked lacklustre in their approach. On the other hand, the English, after getting thumped in the first Test, bounced back amazingly well. Captain Alastair Cook and England’s new number 3 Joe Root made most of their long stay in the first innings as they piled on heavy runs for their side.
In doing so, Root and Cook attained new numbers in the Test.
Root only the 2nd English player to score a 200 in Manchester: Root, who scored a double ton in the first innings of the second Test became the only the second player to achieve this feat, playing in Manchester. The last time an English player was Ken Barrington, who got a double century at Manchester in 1964.
Most 100s by an English Captain in Tests: Alastair Cook has been in sublime for since a long time now. The England captain equalled Graham Gooch’s record of scoring most number of 100s as captain. Both of them now have 11 centuries as captains.
Joe Root is the 3rd English to score a double ton against Pakistan: Joe Root’s doublt ton against Pakistan is only the 3rd by an English batsman against them. Before Root, Denis Compton (278) and Alastair Cook 9263)had scored 200 against Pakistan.
Second double ton for Joe Root: This was also Joe Root second double hundred in Test matches. His first came against Sri Lanka in the year 2014 at Lord’s. He had scored 200 (not-out) in that match.
Third highest score by an English batsman, batting at number 3: Joe Root is at setting new records for himself. His 254 against Pakistan is the third highest score by an English batsman, batting at number 3. Earlier than him, Wally Hammond (336*)and Denis Compton (258) have scored more than Root at number 3 position.