Tea Pakistan 394 for 2 (Azhar 151*, Babar 33*) vs Pakistan
Evergreen Azhar Ali notched his 19th Test century then Pakistan put the foot down before tea as they worked towards a massive first-innings total against a flagging Australia on a sombre day two of the first Test in Rawalpindi.
After crawling at around two runs an over in a slumbering morning session, with the spectre of cricket legend Shane Warne's shock passing overshadowing proceedings, Pakistan showed greater intent to reach tea at 394 for 2 with Azhar on 151 not out from 321 balls and captain Bazar Azam unbeaten on 33.
Australia's first overseas Test tour since mid-2019 has proven tough so far with wickets rare although they finally broke their drought when hardworking skipper Pat Cummins removed centurion Imam-ul-Haq after lunch.
Nathan Lyon has been unable to conjure the rampant turn he gained early on day one, suggesting the pitch has dried out and perhaps easing Australia's fears of erring in not selecting a second specialist spinner. He has 1 for 147 off 47 overs as Australia's tiring bowlers will be surely grateful for continual mild weather conditions in Rawalpindi.
But once again Australia rarely threatened and are staring down the barrel of a lengthy stint in the field, which possibly might stretch into day three, with Azhar on a quest for a fourth double-century in his long Test career.
After unwavering patience, as he crawled towards his ton, Azhar went for broke on 97 and skipped down the pitch only to miscue Lyon over the leg side but safely into the boundary to trigger jubilation in the terraces, which started to fill towards capacity after only a smattering of spectators in the morning session, some of whom were holding placards honouring Warne.
With the milestone reached, Pakistan's batters decided to shift gears as the dawdling contest started to finally spark to life. An unwavering Cummins upped the ante, but he unwisely lost a review when replays confirmed Azhar didn't glove a short ball.
Three balls later, Cummins was rewarded for his persistence when he had the indefatigable Imam trapped lbw to end his brilliant maiden Test century on 157 from 358 balls. In a breakout performance, after a modest previous 11 Test output over four years, Imam reviewed in vain and trudged off disappointed to end the 208-run partnership but his superb knock provided Pakistan with the perfect platform.
And talisman Babar sought to capitalise and he started ominously with a gorgeous straight drive to the boundary off Cameron Green. With reverse swing noticeable, after a hint late in the opening session, Australia's quicks sought a fuller length as an intriguing battle with Babar ensued.
Green, underutilised on day one bowling just five overs, impressed by swinging the ball both ways only to be thwarted by Babar's deft touch through the field. His urgency lifted Azhar, who danced down the track to smash Lyon for six over long-on.
After eye-catching captaincy, where he deployed eight bowlers on day one and tapped deep into his bag of tactics, Cummins stuck with his frontline bowlers on day two although occasionally unveiled inventive fielding placings, including two fielders either side of square leg and a short mid-on to combat Azhar late in the first session.
He finally turned to handy legspinner Marnus Labuschagne, who bowled four overs on day one, on the stroke of tea, but he couldn't eke out a wicket.
Pakistan tightened their grip on the contest having earlier worn down Australia's star-studded bowlers in an arm-wrestle during a sedate first session yielding just 57 runs in 25 overs.
Sticking to the script, Australia kept Pakistan on a leash but failed to penetrate and were left to rue not calling for a review when replays confirmed Imam edged an attempted late cut off Lyon. In what shapes as the toughest day of his short captaincy reign, Cummins could only grin but the mistake ultimately didn't prove too costly although it did little to change Australia's grim mood.
A minute's silence was observed before play in memory of Warne and victims of the terror attacks in Peshawar as players from both teams wore black armbands.
Azhar Ali
Imam-ul-Haq
Pakistan
Australia
Pakistan vs Australia
Australia in Pakistan
ICC World Test Championship
Tristan Lavalette is a journalist based in Perth
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