Abu Dhabi Test: Match evenly poised after day one

Australia trail by 262 runs with eight wickets in hand

KARACHI: Mohammad Abbas provided couple of early breakthroughs as Pakistan end day one on a high, with Australia trailing by another 262 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Pakistan bowlers were on top of the game especially Abbas as he provided a crucial blow to Australia in shape of the opener Usman Khawaja — who was the man of the match in Dubai Test. He went back to the dressing room after scoring three runs.

Abbas then followed up with a wicket of Peter Siddle — who came in as night watchmen.

At stumps, Australia are still trailing by 262 runs with eight wickets remaining.

Earlier, Pakistan went off to a horrible start after winning the toss, as in-form all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez was sent back to the pavilion with just five runs of the score board. He made four.

Debutant Fakhar Zaman and experienced batsman Azhar Ali took over the proceedings and guided the team’s total to 57 runs.

At this stage of the innings, off-spinner Nathan Lyon’s brilliant spell put Australia on top at the end of the first session as he removed Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Asad Shafiq and Babar Azam in the space of six deliveries to dent Pakistan’s hope of huge first-innings total.

However, Debutant Zaman and captain Sarfraz batting with great responsibility and made a vital 147 runs stand for the sixth wicket.

Zaman — who was batting superbly — missed out century with just four runs at the stroke of tea.

Meanwhile, after all the hard work, Sarfraz also missed out his fourth Test ton by four runs. He too made 94.

For Australia, Lyon was the performer with the ball as he picked four wickets for the Kangaroos. Marnus Labuschagne also bagged three wickets for the visitors.

Earlier, Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat first against Australia in the second Test match at Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium.

The hosts have made two changes in the lineup as Fakhar Zaman and Mir Hamza are making their Test debut for Pakistan in place of Imamul Haq and Wahab Riaz.

Haq — who was in great touch — ruled out of entire tour after fracturing his finger while fielding in Dubai. Meanwhile Wahab Riaz — who made his comeback in the team — remained wicketless in the same Test.

On the other hand, Australia are fielding in an unchanged side that drew the Dubai Test.

Lineups:

Australia XI,

Aaron Finch, Usman Khwaja, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Mamus Labuschagne, Tim Paine, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon and Jon Holland.

Pakistan XI:

Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed, Bilal Aisf, Mir Hamza and Mohammad Abbas.

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