Leach leads England rout of Pakistan in first Test

England go one up in three-Test series after humbling defeat for Pakistan as records tumbled in Multan.

England’s bowlers, led by spinner Jack Leach, tore through the Pakistan lineup to secure victory in the first Test in Multan on Friday after a record partnership between Harry Brook and Joe Root turned the match on its head.

England’s attack made short work of the last four Pakistan batters on the fifth day, dismissing the hosts for 220 to win by an innings and 47 runs, and draw first blood in the three-match series.

The win is England’s fourth consecutive Test triumph on Pakistan soil, after a 3-0 whitewash two years ago. England had only won two away Tests against Pakistan in the previous 61 years. It was also filled with several new milestones for England.

“This win would be right up there. Definitely top three,” said captain Ollie Pope, standing in for injured skipper Ben Stokes.

Brook smashed 317 and Root a record-setting 262 in England’s mammoth 823-7 declared, giving the visitors a 267-run lead and both players their highest Test scores.

Their 454, England’s highest-ever partnership for any wicket in Test cricket, also delivered an improbable advantage after Pakistan amassed an impressive 556 first-innings total.

Pope was full of praise for Brook and Root’s heroics. “Credit to them for the skills and determination to put the team in a winning position,” he said.

By close of play on the fourth day on a lifeless pitch, England had posted the fourth-highest Test innings total of 823-7 and taken total control of the match with the hosts teetering at 152-6. Along the way, Root became the highest run scorer for England in Test history.

England’s bowlers then delivered a dagger blow on a lifeless Multan pitch where