Pakistan 556 all out v England in opening test

MULTAN: Pakistan were all out for 556 in their first innings on day two of the opening test against England on Tuesday.

A superb century from Agha Salman bolstered Pakistan’s position on the second day of the Multan Test, as they powered to a commanding score of 556-9 by the close of play.

The day began with Pakistan already in a strong position at 328-4, thanks to centuries from Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood on the opening day. Saud Shakeel resumed his innings on 35, with Naseem Shah yet to score at the other end. However, it was Naseem who made the first impact, smashing his way to a solid 33 before being dismissed as Pakistan’s fifth wicket.

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Mohammad Rizwan came to the crease next, but his stay was short-lived. Without troubling the scorers, he fell, leaving Pakistan wobbling at 364-6. This brought Agha Salman to the middle, and his partnership with Shakeel proved to be pivotal. Shakeel continued his fluent innings, reaching 82 before falling to a delivery from Shoaib Bashir, leaving Pakistan on 450 for seven.

At lunch, Pakistan had put on 397 runs with six wickets down, but the real highlight of the day came after the break. Salman, who had been cautious early on, opened up his game in the afternoon, scoring freely while finding solid support from the tail. He partnered with Shaheen Afridi, and the two kept the scoreboard ticking. Despite losing Aamir Jamal for just seven (lbw), Salman ensured Pakistan went into tea at a strong 515-8.

After the interval, Salman brought up his well-deserved century, guiding Pakistan to an imposing 549-9 by stumps. His unbeaten knock has given Pakistan a formidable total, putting the visitors in a dominant position heading into Day Three.

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The Multan pitch still holds some assistance for the bowlers, but with Pakistan already at such a daunting total, the pressure now falls on the opposition to respond in kind. Can they mount a fightback or will Agha Salman’s century prove too much to overcome? Day Three promises to be thrilling.