Pakistan vs Australia Rawalpindi Test: Opening batter Imam ul Haq is looking great in his first Test in over a couple of years.
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After 24 years of wait, the Australian cricket team has reached Pakistan for a multi-format tour. Having started with a three-match Test series, both teams will subsequently take part in three ODIs and a one-off T20I. Rawalpindi, Lahore and Karachi have been shortlisted as the venues for this tour.
The first Test of the tour has started at the Pindi Cricket Stadium today. Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the toss and opted to bat first on a belter of a wicket. The hosts decided to play with two spinners and two pacers; also including batter Imam-ul-Haq as an opener. Surprisingly, Australia have stick to their usual combination of three pacers and a spinner.
In addition to captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are the two other pacer. While this trio will be assisted by all-rounder Cameon Green, specialist spinner Lyon will be aided by Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne in the spin-bowling department.
Imam ul Haq smashes Nathan Lyon for a maximum
The pitch at Rawalpindi has absolutely nothing to offer for the bowlers. All the options of Australian bowling were looking clueless in front of the Pakistani openers. Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique dominated the Aussie bowlers from ball one, and they stitched a century partnership.
On the fifth ball of the 24th over, Lyon was bowling to Imam. He bowled a tossed-up delivery, and Imam came down the track to hit it over mid-off for a six. The Commentators were absolutely elated by the hit and one of them said “No respect at all!”.
Abdullah Shafique got out just before lunch, and he missed his half-century by six runs. Imam ul Haq, on the other hand, completed his half-century comfortably. At the end of first session, Pakistan were at 105-1 with Imam and former captain Azhar Ali in the middle.
If Australia wants to make a comeback, the Aussie bowlers need to stamp their authority in the second session of the first day.
