Pakistan on Top as Younis Khan Equals 90-year Record

Younis became the first player after 90 years to score three consecutive tons against Australia since England’s Herbert Sutcliffe in 1924-25 as Pakistan reached a position of strength after tea on the first day of the first Test in Abu Dhabi.

Younis, who scored 106 and 103 not out in the first Test, was batting 110 with Azhar Ali on 87 as Pakistan posted 285/2, scoring at over three runs an over.

Earlier, Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez provided Pakistan with a firm opening partnership as both of them made a 57-run stand for the first wicket before Lyon caught Shehzad’s leg before wicket. Hafeez later became victim to MG Johnson.

Pakistan was looking for a victory push as captain Misbah-ul-Haq decided to bat first after winning the toss. Pakistan retained the same 11 men who featured in their 221-run victory in the first Test, while Australia made two changes, dumping their two-pronged spin strategy that backfired in Dubai.

Paceman Mitchell Starc came in for left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe who bled 219 runs for his four wickets in the Dubai test. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who conceded 220 runs in Dubai for his two wickets, was the lone specialist spinner in the Australian side.

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who bowls off-spin, replaced number three batsman Alex Doolan who managed scores of five and zero in Dubai. Pakistan will seek their first series win over Australia in 20 years. -dawn

Read More: Younis Khan Test Record