Cook, Root Centuries Give England Solid Platform

Manchester: Alastair Cook and Joe Root hit centuries as England laid down a strong platform on day one of the second Test against Pakistan at Old Trafford on Friday.

Cook's 105 was his 29th Test hundred, putting him level with Sir Donald Bradman, and helped his side to 314-4.

Root, who put on 185 with Cook for the second wicket, was unbeaten on 141 at stumps, his 10th Test century.

Final session of play in general belonged to Root as he had his merry ways against an potent bowling attack. After a small partnership of 28 runs with Root, Vince gave his wicket away to Rahat Ali.

Root played an anchorman type innings, helping James Vince and Gary Ballance to get runs under their belt. On the other hand Pakistani bowlers seemed drained as the pitch offered them nothing to strive on.

Mohammad Amir took 2-63, including bowling Cook, but Pakistan toiled for much of the day on a flat pitch.

Brief scores
England - 314/4 (Root 141*, Cook 105)

Scores	Upcoming	Results
South Africa vs Pakistan - 3rd ODI 4th Test - Australia v India - December 26-30, 23:30 GMT 1st Test - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan - December 26-30, 07:30 GMT 3rd ODI - Zimbabwe v Afghanistan at Harare Afghanistan won by 8 wickets (with 139 balls remaining) 3rd T20I - West Indies v Bangladesh at St Vincent Bangladesh won by 80 runs

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