Pakistan’s Imam-ul-Haq made the historic Test against Australia more special after he drove a length ball from Mitchell Starc for a boundary through the covers to notch his first Test century in Rawalpindi. The left-handed batter had played the anchor’s role throughout the day and held the fort at one end.
Opting to bat first, the home side were off to a brilliant start, courtesy a terrific first-wicket stand between Imam and Abdullah Shafique. The two batters had put 105 runs for the first wicket before Shafique played one in the air off Nathan Lyon and was caught by Pat Cummins for 44.
Imam was then joined by Azhar Ali who was unbeaten at 42 at the time of writing. The track initially had something on offer for the spinners but the batters have certainly frustrated the bowling unit in the late phase of the day.
Australia are touring Pakistan for the first time in 24 years. The second and third Test of the series will be played in Karachi and Lahore respectively.