Abu Dhabi: Shoaib Malik hit a fighting hundred to cap an impressive return to Test cricket after five years as he led Pakistan’s charge in the first Test against England, here, on Tuesday.

Malik was unbeaten on 124 for his third Test hundred — his first against England — to guide Pakistan to 286/4 at close on the opening day, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Malik added an invaluable 168 for the second wicket with opener Mohammad Hafeez, who missed his century by two runs, after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on a flat pitch which is expected to take turn on the last two days.

Apart from Malik and Hafeez, the day was also memorable for senior batsman Younis Khan (38) who became Pakistan’s leading run scorer in Test cricket when he overhauled Javed Miandad’s tally of 8,832 runs made in 124 Tests.

Younis, playing his 102nd Test, jumped out of his crease to hit spinner Moeen Ali for a big six at deep mid-wicket to reach 21 and cross Miandad’s tally.

Speaking after the day’s play, Malik credited his wife Sania Mirza for his success since his recall to the national side this year.
“I think there was pressure on me to perform as a professional sportsman after Sania’s outstanding success in recent times on the tennis court,” Malik told a private channel.

“We speak to each other every day and now I have become used to congratulating her on her titles and she does the same on my success,” Malik said.

The all-rounder, who came into bat at the crucial No.3 position, said he had learnt a lot from his tennis star wife. “Sania has proved to be a inspiration for me in many ways. After watching her win titles even after battling with fitness issues, I was also inspired to match her feats as a professional sportsman,” Malik added.

“It is a healthy competition between the husband and wife who are professional athletes. I credit my wife for my change in approach to training and my recent success and new international career,” he said.

The former Pakistan captain said having a wife who is also an athlete has made it easier for him to discuss sports related issues and seek advice.

Earlier, England’s attack struggled for wickets under hot conditions, bowling some loose deliveries, coupled with two dropped catches by Ian Bell, both off James Anderson.

It was Anderson who gave England an early breakthrough when he dismissed Shan Masood (2) in a bizarre manner, with the left-handed opener taking his eyes off a bouncer. The ball hit the grill of his helmet before crashing onto the stumps.
Hafeez and Malik steadied the innings and batted with resolve.

Hafeez hit 13 boundaries during his 170-ball knock before he tried to play one on the leg-side in an attempt to reach his ninth Test hundred. He challenged Australian umpire Paul Rieffel’s decision but the challenge was not successful.

Anderson, who took 2/29, was unlucky not to account for Hafeez as Bell dropped a regulation catch off the bat in the second slip. Hafeez was then batting on seven.