In a spectacular display of batting, Harry Brook made history by scoring the second-fastest triple century in Test cricket, achieving the milestone in just 310 balls during the ongoing first Test between England and Pakistan in Multan. Brook’s knock consisted of 28 boundaries and 3 sixes, propelling England to a commanding position in the match on Day 4, October 10, 2024.
Breaking Records and Setting Milestones
Brook surpassed Matthew Hayden’s previous record of 362 balls for a triple hundred, set against Zimbabwe in 2003. The only player ahead of him in the record books is India’s Virender Sehwag, who holds the fastest triple century in just 278 balls against South Africa in Chennai (2007-08). Brook’s incredible innings also made him the first active England player to score a triple hundred in Test cricket.
Fastest Triple Centuries in Test Cricket:
- 278 balls – Virender Sehwag (India vs South Africa, Chennai 2007-08)
- 310 balls – Harry Brook (England vs Pakistan, Multan 2024)
- 362 balls – Matthew Hayden (Australia vs Zimbabwe, Perth 2003-04)
- 364 balls – Virender Sehwag (India vs Pakistan, Multan 2003-04)
Harry Brook’s Historic Knock
Brook’s innings was a masterclass in patience and power. He started cautiously, focusing on singles and doubles, but as he settled at the crease, he began to find the boundary with ease. His first boundary of the day came in the 107th over, off the bowling of Naseem Shah.
Milestones During Brook’s Innings:
- Double Century: Brook reached his double hundred in 245 balls, hitting 18 boundaries and a six.
- Triple Century: Brook brought up his 300 with a boundary off Saim Ayub’s bowling, making him the sixth England player to score a triple hundred in Test cricket.
Dominating Partnership with Joe Root
Brook’s achievement came in partnership with Joe Root, who also reached a double century earlier in the day. Together, they formed a formidable pairing, relentlessly dominating the Pakistan bowling attack and extending England’s lead. At lunch, Brook was unbeaten on 218, and Root had reached 259. Their partnership crossed the 400-run mark, helping England to a massive total of 823/7 declared in their first innings.
Pakistan’s Struggle in Response
Following England’s declaration, Pakistan faced a daunting task in their second innings. By stumps on Day 4, Pakistan was reeling at 152/6, still trailing by 115 runs. Salman Agha (41) and Aamer Jamal (27) were at the crease, trying to stabilize Pakistan’s innings as England’s bowlers, led by Brydon Carse and Gus Atkinson, took regular wickets.
England’s Strong Position
With Brook’s remarkable innings, England ended Day 4 in a dominant position, putting them on the verge of winning the first Test of the series. Brook’s name is now etched in cricket history as one of the fastest triple century scorers, and his innings will be remembered as one of the finest in modern Test cricket.
Conclusion
Harry Brook’s 310-ball triple century in Multan is a testament to his immense talent and composure under pressure. By surpassing legendary cricketers like Matthew Hayden and joining an elite list of England batters to achieve this feat, Brook has firmly established himself as a future star of Test cricket.
