Joe Root hundred puts England in charge of Pakistan after Alastair Cook ends ton drought
JOE ROOT and Alastair Cook both made hundreds on a successful first day of the second Test at Old Trafford with England closing on 314-4.
The pair, who put on 185 for the second wicket, helped the hosts to 314 for four at stumps as they seek a winning response to their opening defeat at Lord's.
Cook (105) cashed in first - after winning the toss in sunny conditions, on a pitch of even pace and bounce - and Root (141no) followed him to three-figures.
Both chanceless hundreds, crucial contributions at a pivotal point in the four-match series, had added personal value.
Cook's 29th, in his 50th Test as captain, equalled the number made by the great Don Bradman and was also his first in 20 innings dating back to the tour-de-force 263 against these same opponents in Abu Dhabi nine months ago.
For Root, century number 10 was his first of a summer in which he has - by his own admission - squandered several opportunities.
It was notable for a painstaking eradication of the errors which have interrupted his progress of late, especially a determination to let anything wide whistle by and wait for Pakistan to put the ball in his risk-free scoring zones.
It was the latest instalment in a summer of groundhog experiences as Vince struggles to establish himself in the middle order.
But Root was rewarded for his skill and patience when his 14th four, an on-drive off Yasir Shah, took him to his hundred from 167 balls.
Yasir, on top of the world rankings after his 10-wicket haul at Lord's, discovered it will not always be so easy in England - and long before stumps had conceded more than 100 runs, without success.
Amir was the pick of the Pakistani attack, but Root remained in charge - and as if to press the point, duly pulled the left-armer's first delivery with the second new ball for four.
Gary Ballance had to work hard for his runs, and eventually chopped on to Rahat, but his and Root's stand of 73 still put the seal on England's day.