There have been notable occasions in the annals of Test cricket where teams have achieved huge first innings totals, only to lose spectacularly and lose by one innings. But no competition will be as memorable England’s final victory over Pakistan in Multan. It looked like the hosts were certainly on their way to a dominant win – or at least a draw – after posting a first innings total of 556.
But it is clear that the Pakistanis did not rely on the revolutionary “Bazbol” that took Multan by storm. England responded by posting their biggest total for nearly 86 years before being bowled by spin bowler Jack Leach on the fifth day. Let’s dig deeper into this, along with some other great first-inning scores that ended up being completely ruined.
England’s Yorkshiremen leave Pakistan behind
As mentioned, in the recent clash in Multan, Pakistan scored a magnificent 556 thanks to the powerful knocks of century scorers Abdullah Shafiqa, Shan Masood and Salman Ali Agha. Normally – and especially in the subcontinent – such a result would surely guarantee victory, especially with the pitches deteriorating on days four and five. But England was not to be deterred—far from it.
The reaction of the tourists was not unusual. Despite losing opener Ollie Pope for a duck and leaving his side at 4/1, England would pile on the runs. Zak Crawley put on 78 before being dismissed, with wicketkeeper Ben Duckett adding 84. However, the real stars of the show were Yorkshireman Joe Root and Harry Brook. The former of the duo played brilliantly to score 262, the highest ever Test score, which would see him overtake Sir Alistair Cook as England’s leading Test match scorer.
However, even he was overshadowed by the exploits of his White Rose compatriot Harry Brook. The talented 25-year-old scored a sensational 317, his country’s first triple hundred in four decades. A mammoth fourth-wicket stand of 454 was England’s highest partnership and England were a healthy 703/4 when Root departed after falling to Salman Ali Agha. They went on to add another 100 runs, eventually declaring at 823/7 and giving their bowlers a chance to give them a surprise victory.
On days four and five, Jack Leach bowled 220 to give England a victory by an innings and 47 runs, taking four crucial wickets that played a key role and decimated Pakistan’s batting order. In defeat, Pakistan took the dubious distinction To be the first team to score over 500 points and still lose by an innings. It was England’s third consecutive victory in which they conceded more than 500 runs in their first innings with the ball.
England are now hoping that their latest win will take them to an Ashes series win in the Land Down Under against Australia next year. England have not won a Test match in enemy territory for 13 years and, perhaps unsurprisingly, online Betting sites in Canada and elsewhere to make them +550 underdogs to reclaim the urn.
England suffers the same fate
The 2017 Chennai Test between India and England produced another example of a first-innings score as the team suffered a crushing defeat. England posted a strong 477 in their first innings, thanks to significant contributions from their batsmen. However, India responded with 759 for 759, featuring a triple century from Karun Nair, who was 303 not out, and a near-double century from KL Rahul, who scored 199.
The Indian spin attack led by Ravindra Jadeja was ruthless in England’s second innings. Jadeja’s figures of 7 for 48 were instrumental in reducing England to a total of 207. An innings and a 75-run win for India. This match highlighted India’s dominance on home soil and highlighted the challenges visiting teams face with quality spin bowling in subcontinental conditions. England’s inability to cope with spin was a critical factor in their defeat despite strong first innings performances.
Ireland Best Test Score Divided
Ireland’s tour of Sri Lanka in 2023 included a Test match in Galle, adding another chapter to this unique cricket story. Ireland started strongly, scoring a respectable 492 in their first innings. Curtis Campher and Paul Stirling were the stars, with Campher scoring a difficult century. However, Sri Lanka’s response was decisive. Kusal Mendis’ double century (245) and Nishan Madushka’s 205 put Sri Lanka on 704 for 3, declaring a substantial lead.
The Sri Lankan bowlers led by Ramesh Mendis then dismantled the Irish batting in the second innings. Ireland managed just 202, losing by an innings and 10 runs. The match highlighted Sri Lanka’s strength at home and the challenges faced by Ireland, who are relatively new to Test cricket, when competing against more experienced teams.
