Masood, Shafique make England sweat with centuries in Multan

Captain Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique both hit centuries, leading Pakistan to a strong position of 328-4 at the close of the first day's play in the opening Test against England on Monday.

Masood achieved his first Test century in four years, with his previous hundred coming against England in Manchester back in 2020, after 14 Tests and 27 innings without one.

Masood thrives under pressure

Masood, who was under pressure after losing his first five Tests as captain, reached his fifth Test hundred in just 102 balls, making it the fastest Test century for Pakistan since Misbah-ul-Haq's famous 56-ball effort against Australia in 2014.

With this achievement, the 34-year-old became the third Pakistan captain, after Inzamam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam, to score a century in Tests against England on home soil. He also became the 17th captain in Pakistan’s history to score a hundred in Test cricket.

Shan Masood celebrates after reaching his century on day one of the first Test against England in Multan on Monday.Reuters

Shafique complemented Masood's performance with his own assured batting as they made England's pace attack and two spinners struggle on a batting-friendly pitch in Multan.

"Feeling happy because performing for the team is a next level feeling," Shafique said in the press conference after the end of day's play in Multan.

"A sportsman has to face challenges and go through failure. I'm thankful to the team management and the captain for trusting me and giving me a fair run. You face a lot of mental challenges and lots of doubts, but you have to overcome it all and perform," he added.

England's first breakthrough came early in the fourth over when fast bowler Gus Atkinson dismissed opener Saim Ayub for just 8 runs. The visitors believed they had a second wicket when Brydon Carse, making his debut, trapped Masood lbw for 16. However, a review revealed that the ball had pitched outside leg stump, allowing Masood to continue his innings.

Masood aggressively attacked spinner Shoaib Bashir, striking four boundaries off him and adding two more off Atkinson, bringing up his 11th Test fifty. Shafique, who narrowly escaped a run-out on 34 when Ollie Pope's throw missed the stumps, also made his mark, hitting two fours and a six off Bashir to reach his sixth Test half-century.

England's breakthrough came when Shafique misplayed a pull shot off Atkinson, resulting in his dismissal for a solid 102 runs. Shortly after, Masood fell for 151, with his innings featuring 13 fours and two sixes.

The partnership between Masood and Shafique was noteworthy, as they registered the fourth-highest second-wicket stand for Pakistan in Tests, totaling 253 runs.

Speaking to Nukta after the day's play, former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad praised the efforts of Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique, both of whom struggled with form recently but displayed patience and grace, scoring centuries.

"It's great to see Pakistan batting so well on day one, putting up a solid total," Sadiq said. "Credit goes to them [Shan and Abdullah] for their perseverance."

After their departures, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel added 61 runs together before England claimed a significant wicket, with Chris Woakes trapping Babar lbw for 30.

Sadiq pointed out an area of concern with Babar Azam's recent performances.

"I've noticed Babar has been struggling to convert his good starts into big scores, often getting out after reaching 30 or 40. He needs to exercise more discipline and build his innings with greater care," he said.

Shakeel remained not out on 35 as night watchman Naseem Shah ended the day without scoring, with England having bowled 86 overs.

Looking ahead, Sadiq emphasized the importance of pushing the total further, suggesting Pakistan aim for an additional 200 runs.

"With [Mohammad] Rizwan and Agha Salman still to come, our batsmen need to be 200 percent cautious. If we surpass 500 runs, it will put England under significant pressure," he concluded.