Jack Leach Stars in England's Historic Victory Over Pakistan in First Test

England's bowlers, spearheaded by spinner Jack Leach (33), decisively overcame Pakistan to clinch victory in the first Test in Multan on Friday. This triumph was significantly influenced by a record partnership between Harry Brook (25) and Joe Root (33), which dramatically altered the course of the match.

On the fifth day, England's bowling attack efficiently dismissed the last four Pakistan batsmen, concluding the hosts' innings at 200 and securing a win by an innings and 47 runs, thereby taking an early lead in the three-match series.

Leach was the standout performer for England, claiming 4-30 and breaking Pakistan's only substantial partnership of the day by removing Salman Agha, who fought valiantly for his 63 runs.

The situation had appeared precarious for Pakistan a day earlier when Salman and Aamer Jamal joined forces with the score at 82-6. However, they managed to survive until the end of play, forcing England to wait an additional 12 overs on the final day before Leach's breakthrough opened the floodgates.

Leach executed a clever return catch to dismiss Shaheen Shah Afridi for ten and subsequently had Naseem Shah stumped for six, thereby concluding Pakistan's second innings.

The last batsman, Abrar Ahmed, was unable to participate due to being hospitalized with a high fever.

Pakistan's rapid decline marked a swift reversal in the match, particularly after a flat pitch in Multan had allowed for a total of 1,379 runs to be scored for the loss of just 17 wickets.

Brook's remarkable 317 and Root's record-setting 262 contributed to England's formidable total of 823-7 declared, providing the visitors with a 267-run lead.

Their partnership of 454 stands as England's highest-ever for any wicket in Test cricket, granting them an unexpected advantage following Pakistan's impressive first-innings total of 556.

By the end of the fourth day, England had established the fourth-highest innings total in Test history at 823-7, while Pakistan found themselves in a precarious position at 152-6.

During this match, Root also became the highest run scorer in Test history for England.

Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, has now faced six consecutive defeats since his appointment last year, including three losses in Australia and two at home against Bangladesh.