Rawalpindi Test: Imam-ul-Haq 132 not out grinds down Australia bowling attack on Day 1
India Today
Imam-ul-Haq hit an unbeaten 132 on his return to the Test side as Pakistan dominated the Australian bowling attack on Day 1 of their historic Test match in Rawalpindi on Friday.
Imam-ul-Haq led Pakistan's dominant batting display on Day 1 of the first Test against Australia in Rawalpindi on Friday as the left-handed opener remained unbeaten on 132. Pakistan went to stumps at a commanding position, reaching 245/1 in 90 overs in the historic Test which marks the return of Australia to the Asian nation for the first time in 24 years.
Playing his first Test in more than 2 years, Imam-ul-Haq blunted the Australian new-ball attack that comprised of captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. He along with opening partner Abdullah Shafique stitched a 105-run opening stand, bating out 34 overs together. Australia's lone-spinner Nathan Lyon picked up the only wicket that fell on Day 1 when he had Shafique caught on 44 by Cummins.
Pakistan vs Australia, 1st Test Day 1 Highlights
Imam joined hands with senior batter Azhar Ali after the fall of Shafique and continued the good work. While Imam carried his bat at the Stumps, Ali remained unbeaten on 64 as the two batters wore down the Australian bowling attack, which picked only one spinner on their return to the sub-continent.
It was a memorable day for cricket and for both sides. The batters kept it cool and took the score to 200+#BoysReadyHain l #PAKvAUS pic.twitter.com/8xtFaeobJu
Expressing delight on the hundred on his return to the Test side, Imam said: "I cannot explain how I feel now. Coming back into the Test side, I wanted to make it count. I have been practising hard in the last two and a half years. Special mention to the camp we had in Karachi.
"I last played against Australia and then got injured against New Zealand. And then was the twelfth man for a long time. You need to keep working hard. You need to learn from your mistakes and never lose your belief. I have played against Lyon. He is a quality spinner. If you give him time, he will trouble you. I was trying to play with positive intent to put him on the back foot," he added.
