1st Test, Day 1: Imam-ul-Haq's maiden Test ton puts Pakistan in control against Australia

A brilliant maiden Test century by opener Imam-ul-Haq (132 not out) put a disciplined Pakistan in early control against Australia on the opening day of the first Test of the three-match series, here on Friday.

Apart from Imam, Abdullah Shafique (44) and Azhar Ali (64 not out) also played solid innings as Pakistan were 245/1 at stumps on Day 1 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Pakistan batters made full use of the batting-friendly conditions. The famed Australian pace trio Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood couldn't generate much movement off the surface as the openers navigated through the opening exchange without much trouble.

It wasn't until Nathan Lyon was introduced that Australia started troubling Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique. The off-spinner managed to induce edges at will but none of them were straightforward chances that the visitors could gobble up.

Imam, who last played a Test in November 2019, looked in sublime touch on his comeback and got to his fifty in style with a boundary.

The openers almost went unscathed into the first session before a rush-of-blood moment for Shafique brought his downfall. With an over left for lunch, the right-arm batter was one big hit away from a half-century and decided to take Lyon on for a maximum. However, he didn't make the desired connection and Pat Cummins covered good ground to take a tumbling catch, charging to his right from mid-off.

The wicket broke the 105-run opening stand as Pakistan went into the break at 105/1.

Imam, who had looked solid on the other end, was joined by Azhar Ali, and Pakistan's fortunes remained unchanged after the lunch break. Azhar took his time settling in the middle, while Imam got busy constructing his innings, aiming for a three-figure score.