Mohammad Hafeez had a dream come back to test cricket almost after a couple of years with a fantabulous century and a 205 runs opening wicket partnership with Imam-Ul-Haq on Day 1 of the first test match against Australia in Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan ended Day 1 255-3 at stumps.
The openers were off to a perfect start after Pakistan opted to bat first. They dominated Australian bowlers for the first two sessions before Lyon broke the 205 runs partnership as he sends back Imam-Ul-Haq for 76. He scored seven boundaries and two huge sixes in his 188 balls innings. Hafeez on the other end played sensible innings and scored a century in his comeback test match. The 37-year-old played his natural game and the stylish shots all over the ground in his innings scoring 126 off 208 balls. He hit fifteen boundaries before getting LBW in Siddle’s over. Peter Siddle who is also making his come back to test squad bowled brilliantly in his fifteen over spell and provided the second breakthrough for Australia.
Australia bowled with discipline though they couldn’t take wickets in the first two sessions. Starc and Siddle bowled with accuracy and fire. However, the openers who played with much better control denied Australians any wicket-taking chances. Nathan Lyon also bowled well in his 33 overs spell on Day 1. Holland dismissed Azhar Ali for 18 as Australians claimed the third wicket of the day. Haris Sohail and Mohammad Abbas sawAbbas saw through the rest of the day without any further damage.
With the start they had, Pakistan will be looking to score anything more than 450 to put Australians under more pressure in the test match. Australian bowlers aim a comeback in the second day morning with the new ball available for them. It will be on Starc and Siddle to lead the attack with the new ball on the morning session. Lyon will also come into action as the ball gets old. They will be looking for those early wickets to put the pressure back and get Pakistan all out as early as possible.
