Brook and Root's unbroken century stand powers England to 492/3

England's batting prowess was on full display on day three of the first Test match against Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Centurions Harry Brook and Joe Root guided the visitors to a commanding position, ending the day on 492 for three in 101 overs.

Resuming from their overnight score of 96 for one, England's openers Zak Crawley and Joe Root added a solid 109-run partnership before Crawley was dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi. Ben Duckett joined Root and contributed a quick-fire 84, but it was the partnership between Brook and Root that stole the show.

Brook, in particular, was in scintillating form, scoring a brilliant 141 off 173 balls. Root, not to be outdone, notched his 35th Test century, remaining unbeaten on 176.

Despite England's dominance, Pakistan's bowlers managed to pick up wickets at regular intervals, but they were unable to contain the English pair. Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Aamir Jamal each claimed a wicket.

With a lead of just 64 runs, Pakistan will need to bowl exceptionally well on day four to avoid falling behind in the Test match.

Pakistan's Playing XI for first Test: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel (VC), Mohammad Rizwan (Wk), Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmad.

England Playing XI for first Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope (C), Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse (Debut), Jack Leach, and Shoaib Bashir.