After England beat Pakistan at Multan without Ben Stokes, Harry Brook has shown he is a candidate to lead an even bolder new world.

Joe Root celebrated his record-breaking day with a resolute 35th century as England cruised to 492-3 on Day 3 of the first cricket test against Pakistan.

Harry Brook and Joe Root put on a record-breaking stand as England close in on victory against Pakistan in Multan

England is on the verge of a famous cricket victory after Harry Brook smashed the second-fastest triple century in test history, Joe Root scored a career-best 262 and the tourists declared their first

Nasser Hussain has compared Harry Brook to England icons Kevin Pietersen and Joe Root following the Three Lions' famous win over Pakistan. England looked like they'd struggle to reign supreme after the hosts posted a total of 556 runs from their first innings.

By the time Ollie Pope signalled to end the assault England had made the fourth largest total ever seen in the Test arena and rewritten the history books. Brook, meanwhile, became the the first English batter to breach the 300 mark since Graham Gooch against India 34 years ago.

England notched up their highest total in 86 years thanks to Harry Brook's triple century and Joe Root's double ton, declaring on 823-7 before striking with the first ball to leave Pakistan on the ropes at tea on the fourth day of the test on Thursday.

Joe Root and Harry Brook hit career-best double centuries in a record-breaking fourth-wicket stand as England eyed a big lead in the first cricket test against Pakistan on Thursday. England swiftly progressed to 658-3 at lunch on Day 4 for a lead of 102 runs as Pakistan missed out specialist leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed,