Root hits 254 as England dominate at Old Trafford

Joe Root made a career-best 254 and Chris Woakes took three wickets as England dominated Pakistan in the second Test at Old Trafford. Root helped England declare on 589-8 before Pakistan crumbled to 57-4 on the second evening, trailing by 532.

Woakes, who made 58, removed Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali and nightwatchman Rahat Ali in six overs late on. Ben Stokes also had Younus Khan caught behind to put England – 1-0 down in the series – in a commanding position.

Unbeaten on 141 overnight, Root batted for more than 10 hours in total, facing 406 balls and hitting 27 fours, although Younus dropped a sharp low chance at slip off Yasir Shah on 155. Root put on 113 with Woakes, 57 with Stokes and 106 in only 20 overs with Jonny Bairstow as England added 275 to their overnight total at more than four runs an over.

He was largely content to play the anchor role – it took him 23 deliveries to go from 190 to 200, reaching the milestone with a reverse-sweep off Yasir – before cutting loose either side of tea. The leg-spinner, Pakistan’s match-winner with 10 wickets at Lord’s, finished with 1-213 from 54 overs. (BBC Sport)

Photo caption: Joe Root celebrates his second Test double hundred