Dubai - October 7, 2018: The 1st Test between Pakistan and Australia, in a series of two, got underway at the Dubai International Stadium today.
The lineups saw four Test debutants; Three for Australia; Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head & Aaron Finch & one for Pakistan in Bilal Asif.
Finch made his Test debut after making 93 ODI appearances, the second highest ODI appearances before earing the baggy green. The highest was Andrew Symonds, 94 ODIs.
Pakistan captain, Sarfraz Ahmed, won the toss and elected to bat.
Mohammad Hafeez, who was making a comeback to the Pakistan Test fold after two years, started in fine fashion. Imam ul Haq, who was playing is 4th Test, complimented him from the other end. Both guided the score to 89/0 at Lunch. Hafeez was at 48*, while Imam managed 36* ahead of the respite.
Mohammad Hafeez completed his half-century, in the very first over after the resumption of play. Imam ul Haq continued the good work from the other end and completed his half-century.
Australia finally broke-through in the 63rd over, but not before Pakistani openers had put 205 on the board. Imam was caught behind off Nathan Lyon.
Imam scored a career best of 76.
Peter Siddle, finally found success, as he dismissed the centurion for 126.
Late in the day's play, Azhar Ali lost his wicket to John Holland.
Pakistan reached 255/3 at the close of play.
