Pakistan are 4/219 in their first innings of the opening test match against Australia in Dubai. After struggling early at 2/7, Pakistan were helped back on track through a patient 100-run partnership between Azhar Ali and Younis Khan.
Australia’s Mitchell Johnson was again the ferocious strike weapon with the new ball in hand. He picked up wickets in his first over with both new balls, finishing with figures of 3/22 from 20 overs which included 12 maidens.
Peter Siddle took the other early wicket and Pakistan looked rattled by the pace and movement produced by the Australian pace attack. Younis Khan made it a battle of attrition, holding the crease for over 5 hours, facing 220 balls to score his 25th test match hundred.
Showing some classy batting when the bowlers produced significant reverse-swing after lunch, Younis and Azhar fought Pakistan back into the match. Australian captain Michael Clarke typically varying his bowlers in search of a break through, utilised the reverse swing and pace of Mitchell Marsh (0/18) and fellow debutant, spinner Steven O’Keefe (0/49).
It was Johnson though who made the breakthrough for the Aussies, removing Azhar (51) after an uppish drive was snatched up by Alex Doolan at short cover to make it 3/115. Johnson was bowling planned short spells with his trademark aggression.
Short balls were fizzing past the heads of batsmen and this was varied with some good changes of pace. Johnson was rewarded with the prize-wicket of Younis for 106. The Aussies will be looking to get stuck in to the Pakistan middle and lower order when the second day begins.
Nathan Lyon, who bowled well without reward, will need to spear the spin attack as the ball deteriorates encouraging O’Keefe on a wicket with enough movement to unsettle the batsmen.
