Harry Brook hits third century of tour as England edge into lead over Pakistan

In a winter where a T20 World Cup was added to England’s white-ball trophy cabinet and a historic series victory in Pakistan was secured, it may yet be that the thing referenced most heavily in years to come is how it witnessed the emergence of Harry Brook.

Hyperbole? Possibly. And yet such thoughts were hard to escape on an absorbing second day in Karachi as the 23-year-old finessed his third century of the tour – a sublime 111 from 150 balls – that helped his side secure a precious first-innings lead of 50 runs in their quest for a first clean sweep on Pakistani soil.

By stumps the third Test had progressed significantly even if, with England due to bat last on a pitch offering turn and variable bounce, it remained tightly poised. After finally bowling England out for 354 in 81.4 overs – a total which also owed plenty to a cool 64 from Ben Foakes on his return – Pakistan reached 21 for no loss before sunset, 29 runs behind.

There was little doubt about England’s man of the day, however, Brook striding off the field with a story to tell. There was a bit to unpack too, such as starting his innings on a hat-trick ball in the morning, breaking David Gower’s record for runs by an England player in a single series in Pakistan (449), or the awful mix-up after lunch that saw Ben Stokes run out in comical fashion.

The latter was one of those episodes where two batters are stood at one end of the pitch while the bails are being whipped off at the other. Brook was probably more at fault here, turning down an achievable third run as Azhar Ali pulled off a fine stop on the rope. Stokes, out for 26 after Brook touched his bat down first, was a touch dozy himself, it must be said. But he was calm enough to give his partner a thumbs