In the Multan Test match, Joe Root’s outstanding performance was the highlight of England’s dominant victory over Pakistan. England declared their innings at a massive 823 runs, with Root contributing 262 runs and Harry Brook scoring 317. This Test marked a historic defeat for Pakistan as they lost by an innings and 47 runs, despite posting a first-innings total of 556 runs.
While fans and experts often react strongly to Pakistan’s defeats, a recent comment by former Pakistani captain Rashid Latif on Root’s performance has stunned many. Latif made a controversial statement during a discussion about the match on a YouTube show.
Latif’s Comment Sparks Outrage
During the discussion on his YouTube show “Caught Behind,” Rashid Latif, while talking about Joe Root’s incredible double century, used inappropriate language to describe the way Root dominated the Pakistani bowlers. He said, “Joe Root has raped you,” referring to how Root continuously hit reverse-sweeps and troubled the Pakistani bowlers throughout the innings.
This comment took the experts present on the show by surprise, and soon after, the clip of Latif’s statement went viral on social media, causing outrage among fans. Latif’s choice of words was widely criticized, with many objecting to the use of such language in sports commentary.
Joe Root and Harry Brook’s Record Partnership
The partnership between Root and Brook was one of the key moments in the match, with the duo adding 454 runs together. Root’s elegant strokes and Brook’s powerful hitting ensured that England reached a commanding position. Their aggressive approach left the Pakistani bowlers struggling, especially with Root’s ability to execute reverse-sweeps and scoop shots with ease.
While Pakistan’s batsmen took their time to reach milestones, Root and Brook quickly converted their 90s into centuries and continued to dominate even after crossing 190 runs. This aggressive style of batting was something the Pakistani bowlers couldn’t cope with, ultimately leading to one of the most memorable Test victories for England.
Latif’s Explanation and Backlash
After the backlash, Latif explained his comment by pointing out how Root’s batting style, particularly his reverse-sweeps, had dismantled Pakistan’s bowling attack. Despite the explanation, his words sparked widespread criticism, with many fans and cricket experts expressing disappointment at the language used during the discussion.