Root shock: Veteran English Bats left-handed Against Pakistan

When Root faced up left-handed to Zahid Mahmood for the first two deliveries of the Pakistan spinner’s sixth over, he took advantage of the batsman-friendly conditions in Rawalpindi.
Before being dropped by Naseem Shah at mid-wicket on the subsequent delivery, the former England captain stroked the first ball directly to the fielder at square leg.

Joe Root decides to bat left-handed 😳#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/GOvnkof54B

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 4, 2022

The fact that Root quickly abandoned the idea and continued to play the rest of his inning as a right-hander suggests that he took the hint. Ironically, Root was caught sweeping Mahmood later in the innings.

Root was dismissed for 73 as England maintained the aggressive stance they have shown consistently throughout this first Test. This time, Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq held on to the catch.