Younis Khan reacts after becoming Pakistans leading run scorer in Test cricket.
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A 168-run partnership by Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez frustrated English bowlers on a dry surface in the opening day of the first Test match at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Asad Shafiq, who scored 107 for his ninth hundred, added 248 runs with Malik as Pakistan added 213 runs in the two sessions after resuming the day at 286-4.
Shoaib Malik also got a life on 40 when Joe Root caught a loose drive off Stuart Broad at fly slip, and he went on to record a first Test century since 2009 in his first appearance format for five years, eventually finishing unbeaten on 124. Younis, playing his 102nd Test, hit Moeen Ali for a six over deep midwicket to reach 21 and cross Miandad’s tally.
Yasir was the fastest man to 50 Test wickets in Pakistan history and England had been ripped apart by spin during the last series in 2012.
“What happened three years ago doesn’t really matter – this is a much better England side”. I said sorry to the guys at tea because we don’t need to be getting any chalked off here.
Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan captain, said Yasir had experienced a back spasm, and would be assessed on the morning of the match before a call is taken on whether he is fit to play.
England were also without injured paceman Steven Finn.
Revealing that Bell is very disappointed with his efforts, Broad dismissed the suggestion that such drops were due to lack of practice.
England, as expected, gave a debut to Rashid on a pitch that is expected to assist the spinners from day three onwards.
Pakistan’s leg-spinner Yasir Shah has been ruled out of the first Test match against England happening today in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The all-rounder, who has credited his wife – Indian tennis star Sania Mirza – with the revival of his global career, came to the crease with Pakistan 5-1 after Shan Masood was bowled via his helmet ducking into a James Anderson bouncer.
However there was disappointment in store for Hafeez as he fell short of a first century against England just before tea – leg before to Mark Wood for 98.
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The team’s management had attempted to bring back Gohar but the uncapped left-arm spinner had already returned to Pakistan after playing in two warm-up matches against England and had to apply for another visa.
