Shan Masood (46)* along with Babar Azam (69)* led Pakistan to a solid position at 139/2 at the end of Day 1, when bad light forced an early close at Old Trafford.
Here are our talking points from Day 1.
Resilient Shan Masood
England is generally regarded as one of the toughest places for an opening batsman. Masood became the first overseas opener in nearly four years to face more than 100 balls in the first innings of a test in the country. He was an able foil to Babar Azam, and their partnership helped Pakistan recover from the early loses of the two Ali’s- Abid & Azhar.
Buttler’s errors behind the stumps
Masood was dogged but also had a little bit of help from Jos Butler who gave him a couple of reprieves. One was a drop catch behind the wicket and the other was a missed stumping of the bowling off Dom Bess. Many have been clamouring for the inclusion of Ben Foakes into the starting line up but Buttler’s ex factor with the bat appears him to be keeping him in the side.
Pakistan choose to bat first
Unlike the West Indies who opted to field after winning the toss in the previous series, Pakistan opted to take first guard here. Its perhaps too early to predict whether the decision will prove right or wrong, but the visitors will be fairly happy with the state of affairs at the end of Day 1.
Brilliant Babar
Much of the talk about the Pakistan batting in the lead up to the series has resolved around one individual- Babar Azam, and he did not disappoint, with a dazzling array of strokes for a well compiled half century. Babar is one of those aesthetically pleasing batsman and Pakistan would be hoping that he can kick on tomorrow.
Pakistan after the end of Day 1- 139/2
Shan Masood (46)*, Babar Azam (69)*