Australia vs. Pakistan, 2nd Test, Day 1: Highlights, Scorecard and Report

Pakistan moved themselves into a commanding position at stumps on the first day of the second Test with Australia, as bat dominated ball on a placid pitch in Abu Dhabi.

The toss always looked likely to be vital, and so it proved. Taking advantage of skipper Misbah-ul-Haq’s success, Pakistan’s batters powered to 304 for 2 at the close of play.

Carrying on from where he left off in the first Test, Younis Khan was once again totally dominant, as he passed three figures to take himself into elite company.

"

Zaheer Abbas, Mudassar Nazar, Mohammad Yousuf and Younis Khan the only four Pakistanis with three consecutive Test tons #pakvaus

— Brydon Coverdale (@brydoncoverdale) October 30, 2014"

Pakistan	1st Innings
Batsman	Dismissal	Runs	Balls
Ahmed Shehzad	lbw b Lyon	35	64
Mohammad Hafeez	c †Haddin b Johnson	45	89
Azhar Ali	not out	101	223
Younis Khan	not out	111	155
Extras	(b 3, lb 6, nb 3)	12
Total	(2 wickets; 88 overs)	304
Bowler	Overs	Maidens	Runs	Wicket
MG Johnson	18	4	50	1
MA Starc	11	0	37	0
PM Siddle	17	5	39	0
NM Lyon	23	1	86	1
MR Marsh	5	0	13	0
GJ Maxwell	8	1	36	0
MJ Clarke	2	0	7	0
SPD Smith	3	0	17	0

Pakistan won the toss on a docile Abu Dhabi wicket and had no hesitation in electing to bat.

The pace, swing and seam threat of Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle had no impact, as the Pakistan openers nullified the new ball with ease.

The nature of the pitch tempted Australia captain Michael Clarke—who used eight bowlers on the first day—to adopt some unorthodox fielding positions, but it made little difference.

"

Is this the strangest fielding position you've ever seen? #PAKvAUS http://t.co/FEFivgyZHf pic.twitter.com/n762J3ccY0

— FOX SPORTS Cricket (@FOXCricketLive) October 30, 2014"

It was not until the introduction of spinner Nathan Lyon before lunch that Pakistan were given any concern.

Lyon took the outside edge of Ahmed Shehzad’s bat, but the chance went begging. It did not prove costly, as Lyon trapped the batsman lbw shortly afterward.

Lunch brought only 40 minutes of respite for the Australia attack. Upon the resumption, Pakistan pressed on dourly, with Mohammad Hafeez the only wicket to fall in the middle session—caught behind by Brad Haddin off Johnson.

The dismissal of Hafeez brought Younis to the wicket, and he once again proved in a class of his own.

He was imperious in reaching his 27th Test ton and his third in as many innings, bringing it up by smashing the ball back over bowler Glenn Maxwell’s head for four.

"

Younis Khan is a class act.Right up their with the best in this era.#PAKvAUS oh, and we all love anyone who scores 100s against the Aussies

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 30, 2014"

Younis was unbeaten on 111 at the close of play, with Azhar Ali also not out on 101.

With the pitch offering no help to the bowlers, Younis' sights are surely set on a big score. 314 and beyond? Maybe, just maybe.

As things stand, Younis will not be at the World Cup after being axed from the limited-overs sides. It looks a somewhat foolish move by the Pakistan selectors.