England declares at 589-8 after Root double century

 

 

MANCHESTER: Joe Root hit a career-best 254 as England declared its first innings at a massive 589-8 to put pressure on Pakistan on day two of the second test on Saturday.

Root batted resolutely for over 10 hours on an easy paced wicket, hitting 27 fours and facing 406 balls before England declared 30 minutes after tea.

Root got useful support from Chris Woakes and Jonny Bairstow, who both scored 58 and featured in century stands with Root after England resumed overnight on 314-4.

Top-ranked test leg-spinner Yasir Shah made an unwelcome double century of his own, finishing on 1-213. He got little support from his fielders as Root was dropped on 155 and Bairstow let off on 9.

In an attempt to score quickly after tea, Root departed when he skied a catch to a diving Mohammad Hafeez off left-arm Wahab Riaz (3-106).

Pakistan, which won the first test by 75 runs at Lord's, was 15-0 after nine overs, still 574 runs behind.

Brief Scores

England: 533 for 6 (Joe Root 226*, Alastair Cook 105) vs Pakistan.