**Root Breaks Record as Brook Shines to Put England Ahead in Pakistan** In the sweltering heat of the third day of the first Test, Joe Root battled through cramp, fatigue, and the risk of dehydration to etch his name into the record books. The 33-year-old surpassed Alastair Cook to become England’s all-time leading run-scorer, helping his team make Pakistan’s imposing first-innings total of 556 seem less daunting. By the end of the day, England had reached 492 for three, trailing by just 64 runs, with Root on an impressive 176 and Harry Brook close behind at 141. Despite the challenging conditions, Root's focus remained on the game, with the opposition proving to be the least of his concerns. As the day wore on, he struggled to move, having spent nearly eight hours at the crease in oppressive temperatures. The discomfort was palpable, and the relief of reaching triple figures was likely matched by the simple joy of removing his helmet for a moment. As the match progressed, the question shifted from whether Root would score a century to how many runs he might accumulate. With Brook also in fine form, England appeared to be in a strong position as they aimed to take control of the match.

**England's Traditional Bowling Attack Faces Harsh Reality in Multan Heat** In a challenging opening day in Pakistan, England's bowling lineup, lacking in overseas experience, found itself grappling with the harsh conditions of Multan. The team’s performance left them with a sense of existential regret, reminiscent of a bygone era in cricket. Reflecting on the past, one cannot help but think of Imran Khan, who, before becoming a prominent figure in Pakistan's cricket and politics, embodied a quintessentially English style of bowling. Khan was known for his measured approach—fast-medium pace, a touch of seam, and a knack for swing, particularly when the skies were overcast. His journey began at RGS Worcester, where he honed his skills, and continued through four rigorous years of county cricket with Worcestershire. During this time, a senior player advised him to abandon any dreams of becoming a fast bowler if he wanted to succeed in the sport. Khan excelled in this traditional role, claiming 68 wickets at an average of 26 in 1973, followed by 60 at 30 in 1974, and 46 at 27 in 1975. However, upon returning to Pakistan, he quickly realized that the skills he had developed in England were ill-suited for the slow, low, and flat pitches of his homeland. This revelation prompted a pivotal change in his career. As he later recounted, that trip to Pakistan solidified his decision to embrace fast bowling, rejecting the English style he had learned. As cricket writer Osman Samiuddin noted in "The Unquiet Ones," Khan discovered that "the way of the English was no way at all" when it came to playing in Pakistan. Now, England's current bowling attack must confront a similar reality. The lessons from the past are clear: adapting to local conditions is crucial for success, and the traditional English approach may not suffice in the face of the challenges presented by the Pakistani pitches and climate.