England shatter records vs Pakistan, score most runs on Day 1 in Test history

Bazball was in full flow for England once again as they took advantage of a full flat track at Rawalpindi to put up record runs in the first day of the first Test match on Thursday, 1 December. Ben Stokes' team marched their way to 506 runs for the loss of just 4 wickets against the Pakistan pace attack. The signs were ominous from the word go for Pakistan who conceded close to 7 runs per over in the first few overs of the game. Things did not improve as the day went on as England brought up their century stand inside the first 14 overs of the game.

The first session of the day was utilised by the England batters to put up a record 174 runs in 27 overs. Zak Crawley smashed his way through to a 38-ball half century, while Ben Duckett, who returned to the Test fold after a 6-year absence, showed signs of scoring big as well.

The duo scored individual centuries and took the first wicket stand to 233 runs in the 36th over where the first wicket was taken by Zahid Mahmood. Since the time that Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have taken over the England Test one knows that



falling of a wicket does not slow England down. The same happened in Rawalpindi on the Thursday afternoon as the Pakistan bowlers were put to sword by number 3 - Ollie Pope, who scored England's third century of the day.

A little respite for the Pakistan bowlers came from the fact that ever dependable Joe Root could not get going beyond 23, but it turned out to be all but false hope of a comeback. Middle order batter, 23-year-old Harry Brook hit a 80-ball century, which included 6 fours in a single over of spinner Saud Shakeel as England put up a record total on Day 1 of a Test match. England eclipsed Australia's record of 494 runs, which was made against South Africa in Sydney which was made as far back as 1910.

Pakistan looked miserable throughout the day, dropping things short and failing to get any movement from the pitch.

England might be up for more records on Day 2, with captain Ben Stokes batting at 34* off 15 balls. The captain, at this rate has the chance to break the fastest fifty and the fastest hundred record in English cricket.