Pakistan Feels the Heat: Root and Brook Punish The Host

On a benign, placid deck, the English batsmen revelled in what was little more than a leisurely exercise against a toothless Pakistani bowling attack. They scored at an impressive rate of five runs per over until fatigue set in, slowing the pace only slightly to 4.87 runs per over across 101 overs—an ideal demonstration of modern-day cricket on a flat pitch, where bowlers lacking bite pose little threat.

Among the Englishmen, it was Harry Brook who appeared to savour the conditions most. It was on England's previous tour of Pakistan that Brook announced his arrival to the world, amassing 468 runs at an average of 93.60, including centuries in all three Tests. Once more, Brook picked up where he left off, resuming his mastery over Pakistan’s bowling unit.

His half-century came in just 49 deliveries, marking his fifth score of fifty-plus in six innings against this opposition. His second fifty was more measured, taking 69 balls, but even so, his strike rate hovered around the 80-plus mark. By no means was Brook finished; he seemed poised to inflict even more damage on the beleaguered Pakistani attack.

The Yorkshire duo of Root and Brook forged a monumental 243-run stand (and counting), the third consecutive century partnership in the innings. Earlier, Zak Crawley’s fluent 78 and Ben Duckett’s solid 84 provided the platform, contributing to 109- and 136-run partnerships for the second and third wickets, respectively.

Yet, the day truly belonged to Joe Root, who ascended to the pinnacle of English Test cricket by becoming the highest run-scorer in England’s history. Since his debut against India at Nagpur in 2012, Root’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable.

Root’s ascent to this historic milestone, surpassing Sir Alastair Cook’s long-standing record, has elevated him from a player of enormous promise to an undisputed legend. His journey has not been merely about accumulating runs; it is the story of a cricketer who has shouldered the weight of his team’s hopes across different eras, often standing as the lone bulwark against opposition attacks. His technique is a masterful blend of classical strokeplay and modern aggression, allowing him to adapt seamlessly to any scenario.

What distinguishes Root is not just his consistency but his ability to marry elegance with pragmatism. His innings can be as patient and composed as they are expansive and aggressive, depending on what the situation demands. His deep cricketing intellect, coupled with his adaptability to varying conditions, is what has made him a towering figure in English cricket.

Across a career filled with highs and lows, Root’s batting has been the one constant. From his debut as a fresh-faced prodigy, through his Ashes heroics, to his tenure as captain, Root has been the backbone of England’s Test side. Even as English cricket transitioned through turbulent phases—the retirements of Kevin Pietersen and Cook, the struggles in foreign conditions—Root’s bat remained steady, guiding his team through rough waters.

Root’s record-breaking achievement is more than just a statistical marvel; it’s a testament to his resilience, endurance, and mastery of the game’s mental and technical demands. His runs are not just numbers—they are emblematic of his ability to withstand the rigours of international cricket: long tours, form fluctuations, and the immense scrutiny that accompanies the captaincy. Root’s unflappable composure in the face of such challenges amplifies the significance of his record.

Particularly noteworthy is Root’s prowess on spinning tracks, where many of his contemporaries have faltered. Whether in India, Sri Lanka, or Pakistan, Root has not just survived but thrived, often posting his most memorable innings in these conditions. His mastery of the sweep shot, coupled with nimble footwork and patience, has made him a standout player in the subcontinent.

There is a poetic justice to Root surpassing Cook, two men who have come to symbolize English cricket in different eras. While Cook was the torchbearer for England in the early 21st century, Root now assumes that role in a time when Test cricket is grappling with its place amidst the rise of limited-overs formats. Root’s achievements underscore the enduring value of Test cricket, a format that demands skill, patience, and mental fortitude in ways shorter formats do not.

Joe Root’s journey is far from over. At an age where many batsmen are still at their peak, there is little doubt that his legacy will continue to grow. Yet, at this moment, as England’s leading run-scorer in Test cricket, Root stands not only as a symbol of English cricket’s past and present but also as a beacon for its future.

In Root, England has not only found a prolific batsman but also a cricketer whose story embodies the very spirit of Test cricket - an exquisite blend of skill, patience, and unyielding resolve. As he continues to script new chapters in his remarkable career, Root’s place among the pantheon of cricket’s greats is firmly secured.

Looking ahead, Day 4 promises more records for Root, as he is likely to add more runs to his already impressive tally.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Joe Root: A Record-breaking Journey To The Pinnacle of English Cricket

Joe Root's ascent to become England's highest run-getter in Test cricket history is a monumental achievement, emblematic not only of individual brilliance but also of an era-defining career. Surpassing the great Sir Alastair Cook, Root has now etched his name indelibly into the annals of English cricket. But this record is not merely about numbers; it is the culmination of a journey that reflects resilience, technique, mental fortitude, and an extraordinary ability to adapt and evolve in the most challenging form of the game. Root’s trajectory offers a fascinating study of the dynamics of modern Test cricket, where classical techniques meet contemporary demands.

Early Beginnings: A Child Prodigy

Root's rise to prominence was marked early on by his natural talent. Born in Sheffield in 1990, his cricketing journey began in Yorkshire, a county known for producing some of England's finest cricketers. His technique was honed on traditional English pitches, where patience and concentration became his strongest virtues. These early years laid the foundation for a career that would see him become not just a run machine but a quintessential ambassador for the classical art of Test match batting.

Root’s debut came in December 2012 against India in Nagpur. His composed 73 runs in the first innings signalled the arrival of a player with a deep understanding of the game, one who thrived under pressure. He quickly became a mainstay of the England lineup, earning accolades for his temperament, footwork, and versatility in playing both pace and spin.

The Evolution of Technique and Mental Fortitude

Root’s brilliance lies in his ability to evolve. As bowlers around the world devised strategies to counter his classical style, Root adapted. His technique became more fluid, and he began incorporating innovative strokes, displaying an ability to manipulate the field and rotate strike, especially against spin. But it wasn’t just technical adaptability that made Root great; it was his mental strength. Time and again, Root has shown an uncanny ability to grind through difficult phases, accumulating runs patiently while ensuring he remains the anchor around which England’s batting revolves.

Throughout his career, Root has displayed a balance between aggression and caution, never overindulging in risky strokes but always maintaining a tempo that kept bowlers on edge. His cover drives played with a surgeon's precision, and the wristy flicks through midwicket have become hallmarks of his batting.

Leadership and Burden of Captaincy

Root’s career reached new heights when he was appointed captain of the England Test team in 2017. The burden of leadership often weighs heavily on players, but Root embraced it. He managed to balance his duties as a captain while maintaining his form with the bat, a feat few can boast of. Despite periods of inconsistency in team performances and the challenges of leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, Root’s personal form remained stellar. He crafted many of his most iconic innings during this period, including a masterful 228 against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2021 and a crucial 180* against India at Lord's later that year.

The Record-Breaking Moment

Root’s record-breaking innings was a reflection of his longevity and consistency in Test cricket. Surpassing Sir Alastair Cook’s tally of 12,472 runs was not just a statistical triumph but also a symbolic passing of the torch between two modern giants of English cricket. Cook, with his steadfast approach and insatiable hunger for runs, was the epitome of grit and endurance. Root, while similarly resilient, added a flair and modern touch to his game that made him adaptable across all conditions.

Root’s accomplishment is made more significant by the era in which he has played. Test cricket has evolved dramatically, with shorter tours, the rise of T20 leagues, and varying pitches that often favour bowlers. Root has managed to thrive despite these shifts, not only excelling on traditional English pitches but also conquering the subcontinent, Australia, and South Africa. His ability to score runs across conditions underscores his adaptability, mental toughness, and technical prowess.

Legacy Beyond Numbers

Root’s record is undeniably a testament to his longevity and consistency, but his legacy extends beyond mere statistics. He has been a torchbearer for England’s batting across an era of change, playing with elegance and precision in an era increasingly dominated by white-ball cricket. His contribution to England’s game, both as a player and captain, has been immense, providing stability during turbulent times for the team.

Moreover, Root’s charm lies in his humility and understated personality. Despite the pressures of captaincy and the expectations that come with being England’s premier batsman, he has remained grounded. His dedication to the game, respect for its traditions, and willingness to constantly improve have endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

The Road Ahead

At 33, Joe Root still has much to offer. His hunger for runs shows no signs of diminishing, and with his experience, he continues to be a vital cog in the England Test team. While the weight of leadership has been passed on to Ben Stokes, Root’s role as a senior statesman remains crucial. The future may yet hold more records for him to break, and it’s not far-fetched to imagine Root becoming one of the few to surpass the 13,000-run mark in Test cricket—a testament to both his greatness and endurance.

Joe Root’s rise to become England’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket is more than a historical footnote. It is a story of perseverance, class, and a deep-seated love for the game. Root’s achievements reflect the essence of Test cricket itself—an arena where patience, skill, and mental resilience are paramount. His record is a celebration not only of his talent but of the artistry of batting, and his legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of cricketers. As England's modern-day batting colossus, Root stands tall, embodying the very best of Test cricket in a fast-changing cricketing world.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

England's Aggressive Approach Pushes Pakistan to the Brink in Multan

Despite amassing an imposing total at a measured scoring rate of 3.73 over 149 overs, Pakistan’s advantage might prove fleeting against an England side that thrives on aggression. The nature of modern Test cricket, combined with the dynamics of the Multan pitch, casts doubt on Pakistan’s ability to sustain pressure. England’s batsmen, known for their fearless and fluid style, are already countering the conventional rhythms of Test cricket, cruising at a brisk rate of 4.8 runs per over. This signals more than just intent—it’s a declaration of dominance.

Tomorrow, England will likely continue this aggressive approach, wearing down Pakistan’s bowling attack by forcing them to chase the ball across a placid, batting-friendly surface. The physical toll on Pakistan’s bowlers will be palpable, but the psychological toll might be even greater. An attack that lacks the venom to curb England’s momentum will find itself unraveling as the day progresses. England’s strategy is not simply to score runs, but to sap Pakistan’s energy and, crucially, their confidence. A demoralized bowling unit is a step toward dismantling the opposition’s resolve, and England seems acutely aware of Pakistan's mental fragility in such scenarios. They understand that this Pakistani team struggles to rebound once the pressure begins to mount.

The morning session will be critical. If England can dominate early, the day may slip irreversibly from Pakistan’s grasp. With a mentally fragile bowling attack and a pitch offering little aid, the prospect of a long and grueling day looms for Pakistan.

The changing landscape of Test cricket demands adaptability. While the fundamentals of patience, technique, and discipline remain intact, the infusion of aggression—particularly in scoring—has become an essential part of success. In modern Test matches, run rate is not just a statistic but a weapon. By pushing the scoring tempo, a team can break the rhythm of the opposition, exposing their vulnerabilities. England has mastered this art, blending tradition with innovation to systematically dismantle bowling attacks.

Pakistan, however, is yet to embrace this evolution. Sticking to familiar but outdated methods, they find themselves ill-equipped to handle the intensity of an aggressive, modern Test team. Until they learn to combine classical skills with this new mantra of high-pressure, fast-paced cricket, they will remain vulnerable to teams like England, who exploit every crack in the opposition’s armor.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Johan Neeskens: The Unsung Maestro of Total Football

In the pantheon of football’s greatest players, Johan Neeskens often occupies a place that is not as universally celebrated as it should be, overshadowed by more illustrious names. However, for those who understand the intricacies of the game and the revolutionary Total Football system pioneered by the Netherlands in the 1970s, Neeskens is more than just a name on the team sheet—he was its relentless heartbeat, the engine that powered one of the most influential tactical revolutions in football history.

Neeskens was not the flashiest player on the pitch, nor was he a footballer who sought the limelight. Yet, his quiet brilliance was the very foundation on which greatness was built. In an era dominated by Johan Cruyff's genius, Neeskens carved out a space of his own, embodying a perfect fusion of technique, intelligence, and raw physicality. His play was as much about artistry as it was about hard work—an embodiment of football’s dualities.

The Pillar of Total Football

To appreciate Neeskens' contribution, one must first understand the philosophy of Total Football, the tactical innovation that reshaped the game. In this fluid system, every outfield player could assume any role on the pitch, and the traditional boundaries of positions were blurred. Neeskens, with his exceptional versatility, was its ideal proponent.

Playing primarily as a midfielder, Neeskens' role in the system went beyond simple passing or breaking up play. He was the glue that connected the defence with the attack, a tireless worker who covered every blade of grass, ensuring that the team’s fluidity remained intact. His energy was ceaseless, allowing the Dutch to press relentlessly and reclaim possession. But he was not just a box-to-box midfielder in the conventional sense; Neeskens was the embodiment of tactical intelligence. He anticipated movements, read the game several steps ahead, and executed with precision.

Where Cruyff's brilliance dazzled, Neeskens’ subtle influence controlled the game’s pace. His ability to slot seamlessly into different phases of play—defending, attacking, and everything in between—gave the Dutch an edge that baffled opponents. He wasn’t merely a soldier in the system; he was its thinking general, orchestrating the symphony of movements that made Total Football so devastatingly effective.

The Silent Warrior

Neeskens’ career was defined by his ability to do the work that often went unnoticed by casual spectators but was deeply valued by teammates and coaches. In an age before the statistical analysis of players became widespread, Neeskens’ contributions were measured in intangible qualities: his tenacity, his leadership on the pitch, and his tireless commitment to the team’s cause. He scored crucial goals too - most memorably in the 1974 World Cup final, where he put the Netherlands ahead with a calm penalty against West Germany.

Yet, his value lay not in his goal-scoring exploits but in his ability to create space, disrupt opposition attacks, and drive his team forward. He was the archetypal 'water-carrier', a player who did the dirty work with pride and precision, allowing those around him to shine. But make no mistake—Neeskens was also a technically gifted player, capable of sublime passing and instinctive playmaking when the situation demanded. His understanding of the game was almost cerebral; he could dissect a defence with a single pass or halt an opposing attack with a perfectly timed tackle.

A Legacy Beyond Numbers

For all his contributions on the pitch, Johan Neeskens’ legacy cannot be captured in statistics or records. His influence is measured in how he helped shape the game itself. His career spanned illustrious clubs such as Ajax and Barcelona, where he won countless domestic and international honors. However, it is his role in the Netherlands' near-mythic 1974 World Cup campaign that remains the defining chapter of his career. The Dutch team may have fallen short in the final, but their legacy endures as one of the most iconic teams in football history—a legacy in which Neeskens played a central, albeit understated, role.

While the spotlight often shone on Cruyff, it was Neeskens who embodied the spirit of the team: disciplined, intelligent, and fiercely competitive. His role was not glamorous, but it was indispensable. In many ways, he was the archetype of the modern midfielder—able to defend, create, and attack with equal proficiency. His style of play would go on to influence future generations, laying the groundwork for players like Lothar Matthäus, Steven Gerrard, and modern all-round midfielders.

The Soul of a Revolutionary

Johan Neeskens, in essence, was the unsung soul of a revolution. Total Football may be remembered for its philosophy of positional interchange and fluidity, but it was players like Neeskens who made that philosophy work. Without his tireless running, intelligent positioning, and unselfish play, the beautiful chaos that defined the Netherlands in the 1970s might have remained just an idea rather than an immortalized chapter in football history.

His legacy is one of quiet excellence- proof that in a sport often dominated by individual brilliance, there is equal beauty in the unseen work, in the efforts that go unnoticed but are fundamental to success. Neeskens was not just a player; he was a system, an idea, a manifestation of football’s evolving essence.

In the annals of football history, Johan Neeskens deserves his place among the greats—not because he was the most spectacular or the most celebrated, but because he was the most complete. A player who did everything, and did it well. A player who never sought the spotlight, but illuminated the game with his presence nonetheless.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

 

The Illusion of Stardom: Is Babar Azam Truly a Test Cricket Great?

Cricket, especially the longest format, has a way of separating the sublime from the ordinary, exposing the cracks that might remain hidden in the flashier formats of the game. In recent years, Babar Azam, Pakistan’s captain and premier batsman, has found himself at the crossroads of hype and reality, with a growing critique of his performance, particularly in Test cricket. 

Despite the glittering reputation built on his exploits in limited-overs cricket, Babar’s Test career, spanning almost a decade, leaves much to be desired when placed alongside the modern-day greats of the game.

In the first Test against England at Multan, on a dead pitch that offered no demons, Babar Azam’s dismissal—trapped LBW for the 13th time—exposed deeper vulnerabilities in his technique and mental approach. It marked another chapter in his ongoing lean patch, a barren stretch of 651 days without the spark of brilliance expected from someone frequently compared to Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. Yet, Babar’s stardom often appears to exist without substance, with his Test performances crumbling under the weight of those lofty comparisons.

Technically, Babar has always shown promise but never reached the levels of his contemporaries. Where Kohli, Williamson, and Root have mastered their craft across conditions, often carrying their teams on their shoulders, Babar’s performances have been inconsistent, especially when the stakes are highest. His dismissals often betray a lack of mental fortitude, exposing a batsman who wilts under pressure rather than thriving in it.

Against Bangladesh, Pakistan faced the embarrassment of a whitewash at home, and Babar’s inability to anchor his side only deepened the question marks over his status as a great in the making. The test against England offered a golden opportunity for redemption, especially on familiar, flat tracks where runs should come easily. Yet, once again, Babar faltered, leaving behind a trail of missed opportunities that now define his Test career.

It is one thing to score heavily at home, but the true test of greatness is the ability to dominate away from the comforts of home turf. In Pakistan, Babar averages over 60, a figure that flatters but also misleads. His numbers plummet in more challenging conditions—Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand being particularly unkind. In Australia, a country where the best rise to the occasion, Babar averages a mere 29.50. South Africa and New Zealand haven’t been much kinder, with his averages there languishing below 35.

This struggle against seam, swing, and pace underscores a critical gap in Babar’s technical proficiency. His footwork, particularly against quality fast bowling, appears hesitant, and his decision-making outside the off-stump has often led to his undoing. For a player lauded as Pakistan’s best since Younis Khan, such vulnerabilities are alarming, especially when placed against the consistent dominance of the likes of Steve Smith or Kane Williamson in these same conditions.

The hallmark of greatness is not just consistency but also the ability to deliver iconic innings in pressure-cooker situations. Think of Brian Lara’s unforgettable 400*, or Steve Smith’s Ashes heroics. Kohli has multiple defining performances in hostile territories, with hundreds in South Africa and England that cement his legacy. Unfortunately, Babar has no such innings to his name.

Even Babar’s highest Test score—196 against Australia in Karachi in 2022—was played on a placid surface, devoid of any real challenges for the batsmen. While it was an admirable innings, it came in a drawn game, failing to shift the tide in Pakistan’s favor. The lack of a series-defining knock in his near-decade-long Test career is telling, especially for a player hailed as a superstar.

In cricket-mad Pakistan, where stars are often made before they are truly tested, Babar Azam’s stardom seems to have outpaced his actual accomplishments. 

His home performances have given fans glimpses of brilliance, but the same cannot be said about his encounters with top-tier teams under tougher conditions. This creates a dissonance between the reality of Babar’s achievements and the inflated expectations surrounding him.

The comparisons with Kohli, Williamson, and Root, though flattering, often serve to highlight the gap between Babar and the truly elite batsmen of his generation. These comparisons, while providing Pakistan fans with hope, also risk making a mockery of Babar’s true standing in the game. 

His overseas record, lack of landmark innings, and continued failures against world-class opposition paint a picture of a batsman still searching for his place among the greats.

At 29, Babar still has time to course-correct, but time alone cannot heal the technical and mental shortcomings that continue to plague his Test career. If he hopes to silence his critics and justify the immense faith placed in him, Babar must adapt, showing resilience in foreign conditions, tightening his technique, and producing the kinds of innings that define careers.

His story is not yet fully written, but as things stand, Babar risks joining the long list of Pakistani cricketers who dazzled with talent but fell short due to poor mental strength, mismanagement, and an over-hyped stardom built on inconsistent foundations.

For Babar, the next chapter of his career will be crucial, for it will determine whether he remains an overrated star or ascends to the heights that his fans desperately wish for him to reach.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar