*DIBAI – Pakistan openers Mohammad Hafeez and Imam-ul-Haq put on a solidunbroken stand of 89 by lunch on the opening day of the first Test againstAustralia in Dubai on Sunday.*
Hafeez, playing his first Test for two years, was unbeaten on 48 and Imamon 36 after Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat ona grassless pitch.
Australia captain Tim Paine brought on off-spinner Nathan Lyon in the ninthover after pace duo of Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle found no assistancefrom the pitch.
Hafeez has so far hit six boundaries in his 92-ball knock, while Imam hashit four fours and a six off left-arm spinner Jon Holland, as neitheropener appeared to experience any problems batting.
Starc was brought back for a second spell but had no luck even with hisferocious bouncers as Australia toiled hard for a breakthrough.
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Australia handed Test caps to Aaron Finch, Travis Head and MarnusLabuschagne while Pakistan included off-spinner Bilal Asif for his firstTest at the age of 33, backing up leg-spinner Yasir Shah.
The second Test starts in Abu Dhabi from October 16. – APP/AFP
