Former England captain Joe Root has joined the ranks of cricket legends, equaling the double-century records of Pakistan's Javed Miandad and Younis Khan. Root's monumental innings of 262 runs in the opening Test of the three-match series against Pakistan in Multan placed him among an elite group of players who have achieved six double centuries in Test cricket.

With this innings, Root has surpassed notable names like Ricky Ponting, Sachin Tendulkar, and Pakistan’s Zaheer Abbas, further cementing his status as one of the modern greats. He now stands alongside players such as Kane Williamson, Virender Sehwag, Younis Khan and Javed Miandad, all of whom have recorded six double tons in the longest format of the game.

At the top of the leaderboard for most double centuries in Test cricket is the legendary Sir Don Bradman, with an astounding 12 double tons. He is followed by former Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 11 double centuries, and West Indian great Brian Lara, who amassed nine.

PLAYERS WITH MOST DOUBLE CENTURIES IN TEST CRICKET:

Root's 262-run knock was part of England's imposing first-innings total of 823 for 7 declared. England's aggressive batting was highlighted by Harry Brook's sensational 317*, Ben Duckett's 84, and Zak Crawley’s 78. The English team maintained a remarkable run rate of 5.48, with the last ten overs producing 81 runs at an impressive 8.10 runs per over.

In response, Pakistan's second innings started disastrously, losing opener Abdullah Shafique on the very first ball. The hosts are currently struggling at 50+ runs, having lost five wickets as they attempt to fend off England's dominant position.