DUBAI, (Reuters) – Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq made an unbeaten century as the resurgent hosts reached 282-4 at close of the opening day of the second test against England in Dubai yesterday.
Following a draw in the series opener, Misbah helped steady his side after two brilliant morning catches by the indomitable Jonny Bairstow and James Anderson’s 418th test wicket from the first ball of the afternoon had reduced Pakistan to 85-3.
At that moment, Misbah, 41, may have been regretting his decision to bat after winning the toss, but he and Younis Khan (56) put on 93 from 179 balls before Pakistan’s record run scorer was caught behind by England wicketkeeper Joss Buttler off Mark Wood.
Asad Shafiq, 46 not out, joined Misbah at the crease. The skipper will resume on 102 after chalking up a ninth test century by slogging Moeen Ali for 15 off the day’s final over that included two sixes.
Pakistan, playing in their adopted home of the UAE, were heavy favourites going into the series after whitewashing England 3-0 here in 2012.
Yet the tourists were disappointed not to seal an unlikely win in Abu Dhabi last week, bad light stopping play when England were 25 runs from victory with six wickets in hand after a frenzied final day. In Dubai, Pakistan again batted first on expectation the pitch would become harder to play as the test progresses.