England vs Pakistan: Joe Root hits ton, surpasses Alastair Cook

Joe Root scored a majestic unbeaten century after surpassing Alastair Cook as England’s top run-scorer in Test cricket and guided the team to 492/3 at stumps on the third day of the opening match against Pakistan on Wednesday.

Root began the day on 32 not out, needing a further 39 runs to eclipse Cook’s tally of 12,472, and the former captain eased to his target with an on-drive for four off Aamer Jamal before soaking up loud applause from the travelling English fans.

He then fought off cramps after lunch to bring up his 35th century with a reverse-sweep and looked poised to plunder more runs after cruising to 176 not out at the close with England trailing by 64 runs. Fellow Yorkshireman Harry Brook was batting on 141, a fine knock that followed Ben Duckett’s quick-fire 84 earlier.

Brief scores: Pakistan: 556; England: 492/3 (Root 176*, Brook 141*, Duckett 84, Crawley 78).