Younus Khan drew level as Pakistan’s all-time leading century-maker on an attritional opening day of their two-Test series against Australia in Dubai.
Pakistan crept to the close on 219 for fourafter Younus drew on all of his powers of concentration to keep out Australia, and most menacingly Mitchell Johnson, to reach his 25th Test ton.
The 36-year-old willed over 219 balls before he swiped Nathan Lyon over the midwicket rope to reach three figures and equal Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Pakistan century record.
While he was then pinned in front the next over by Johnson, as the quick returned 3-22 in 20 overs, Younus had done enough to ensure Pakistan had made a solid start on a pitch that was already showing signs that spin would play a key role later on.
Younus’ patience had been enforced after Australia made two quick breakthroughs with the new ball after Pakistan opted to bat.
Mohammed Hafeez made an ill-conceived decision to review the fifth ball of the day when Johnson speared a yorker into his foot and then Ahmed Shehzad showed too much of his leg stump to Peter Siddle to leave Pakistan seven for two.
Younus checked Australia’s flying start with a three-hour stand of 108 alongside Azhar Ali, who contributed a valuable 53 before driving Johnson to Alex Doolan at short cover just before tea.
Pakistan went into the tea break at 125 for three, a sign of their slow progress, but Younus found fluency in the final session especially against Australia’s spinners.
Left-armer Steve O’Keefe endured a painstaking first day in Test cricket, after being given his debut alongside all-rounder Mitch Marsh, and with Lyon they could not make a breakthrough.
100 for Younis Khan! He now has a century against all nations in Test cricket. #PakvAuspic.twitter.com/BeKlFjlrrv
— ICC (@ICC) October 22, 2014
It was left instead to Johnson to again be the man Australia turned to although by the time he prised out Younus – with just his second delivery with the new ball – the veteran had reached 106 and brought up the rare feat of a century against every Test-playing nation.
About Younus’ only misjudgement was to review an inswinger that thudded high into his back leg after his innings had been highlighted by his nimble footwork to the slow bowlers.
Misbah-ul-Haq remained until the close alongside Asad Shafiq, who narrowly survived a tricky final over from Lyon as he belatedly found significant turn to reiterate that the slow men would likely have a major say in the result.
Pakistan also handed out a pair of debuts to quick Imran Khan and leg-spinner Yasir Shah.