PAK vs ENG | Twitter shrugs as Babar's dropped dolly allows Root double in sensational 400-run stand

SportsCafe Desk
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There are dropped catches, and then there are dropped catches that haunt you for the rest of your lifetime. Babar Azam's blunder in Multan on Thursday certainly belonged to the latter category as he let the simplest of catches drop that denied Pakistan the opportunity to break a then 250-run stand.

E‌ngland seized further control of the first Test on Day 4 by rushing past Pakistan's first innings total of 556 with seven wickets still in hand. Incumbent overnight centurions Joe Root and Harry Brook picked up exactly where they had left off as the duo scored at nearly run-aball in the opening session, combining for 166 runs in just 29 overs while bringing up just the 16th 400-run stand in Test cricket history. By the time the break was called, the lead was already a handsome 103 and Root stood on the brink of a maiden Test triple ton, having already surpassed his previous best of 254. However, things could have played out drastically differently had Babar Azam held onto the simplest of dollies presented to him in just the fourth over of the day.

The batters were still readjusting to the Multan heat as Root neared the coveted 200-run mark when Naseem Shah dished one back of a length to the veteran in his 23rd over. Root seized the opportunity to pull hard but had forgotten all about the fielder at short midwicket. As it turned out, it was for good reason as the ball travelled straight to a crouched Babar at the perfect catchable height but the former Pakistan skipper made a meal of it, failing to move quick enough to get his hands in position in time.

Both Naseem and Babar were visibly distraught while Root let slip a cheeky smile, mirroring the reactions of Twitterati.

He can't believe it!

Oh lord

Sad

Not good 

Uncatchable

Bad days 

It can't get easier

easy!!

Dropped it

Demoralising

Beautiful

laught3
astonishment0
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