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ENG vs PAK 1st Test: Joe Root’s return as England captain has already produced a remarkable statistical coincidence. In the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley, Leeds, Root scored 66 runs—and the number 66 has become a recurring theme around his comeback match.

Root’s innings was particularly important because England had lost two early wickets. He then joined Jordan Cox and helped rebuild the innings with a substantial partnership. Root eventually fell for 66, while Cox went on to score 73. England finished Day 2 on 366/8, holding a 195-run lead over Pakistan.

The ’66’ Coincidence

The most striking part of the story is Root’s score itself. He made exactly 66 runs in his first Test as England captain after returning to the leadership role.

That number also became significant because Root’s 66 took him level with Sachin Tendulkar’s record for the most Test half-centuries. The milestone added another major achievement to what has already been an extraordinary Test career.

It was also another reminder of Root’s remarkable consistency against Pakistan. Earlier in the match, he reached 1,500 Test runs against Pakistan, becoming only the second England batter to achieve that milestone.

A Major WTC Record for Joe Root

Root’s return to the captaincy brought another significant record.

He became the first player to score 3,000 runs as captain in the World Test Championship. The achievement came during the Leeds Test and further strengthened his position as one of the most successful batters in the history of the WTC era.

This is particularly notable because Root has been a central figure in England’s Test cricket throughout the WTC period, contributing heavily both as a batter and leader.

England Take Control at Headingley

The individual milestones came against the backdrop of an impressive England performance.

Pakistan were bowled out for just 171 on the opening day, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue both taking five-wicket hauls. It was the first time in 20 years that two England bowlers had taken five wickets each in the same Test innings.

England then built a strong response with Root, Cox, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence all scoring half-centuries. Brook came closest to three figures with 91, while Cox made 73 and Lawrence scored 51.

Root’s Comeback Gets Even More Special

Root’s return to the England captaincy was already a major storyline after Ben Stokes’ retirement. But scoring 66, matching a legendary Test record and reaching a major WTC milestone has made the Leeds Test even more memorable.

For Pakistan, meanwhile, the challenge is growing. England ended Day 2 in a commanding position, and Pakistan now need a significant turnaround to bring themselves back into the contest.

The Bottom Line

66 runs, 1,500 Test runs against Pakistan and 3,000 WTC runs as captain—Joe Root’s Leeds Test has already delivered several major milestones.

And with England firmly in control, Root’s return as captain could hardly have started in more dramatic fashion.