England snatch late wickets after Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq scores century
Two late wickets from Chris Woakes provided a welcome boost for England as Pakistan ended day one of the first Test 282-6 at Lord’s.
The hosts grabbed some momentum in the closing overs of the day, but the day largely belonged to Pakistan as captain Misbah-ul-Haq scored a Test century.
Misbah became the oldest cricketer at 42 years and 47 days to score a Test hundred since 1934, and the batsman, who celebrated by doing push-ups, made his way onto the Lord’s honours board.
After Woakes had got rid of Pakistan’s opening pair, both caught by Jonny Bairstow, Jake Ball‘s first Test wicket, against Azhar Ali, had seen the tourists reduced to 77-3.
Misbah’s half-century came up off 81 balls, and while progress had been slow after lunch, with 36 runs scored in the first hour, England’s attack wearied through the long afternoon.
As he had in the series last winter, Misbah attacked Moeen Ali‘s spin after tea, taking him for 16 runs in five balls with two conventional swept fours and two reverse-sweeps.
Misbah’s century came up with a single run away down to third man, from 154 balls and in approaching four hours, making him the oldest man to hit a Test ton since 45-year-old Patsy Hendren.
While his fine partnership of 148 with Asad Shafiq was ended by Woakes three overs before the close, nightwatchman Rahat Ali then falling for a duck to the final ball of the day, the tourists will resume on Friday morning well placed on 282-6.
