Mohammad Hafeez (left) celebrates after bringing up his 10th Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Pakistan opener Mohammad Hafeez marked his Test comeback with a superb 126, which put his side in command against Australia on the opening day of the first Test in Dubai.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan made a sensational start to their innings as Hafeez, who is playing in his first Test match since August 2016, and Imam-ul-Haq amassed a 205-run partnership, during which Hafeez brought up his century and Imam his fifty.

Imam-ul-Haq scored his second Test fifty

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

With Pakistan cruising, Australia tried to do everything in their power to break the opening stand.

However, they had to wait until the 63rd over to get the breakthrough they sorely needed as Nathan Lyon had Imam caught behind for a career-best 76, which came off 188 balls and included seven boundaries and two sixes.

Hafeez and Imam’s incredible partnership was the fifth-highest opening stand for Pakistan in Test history.

Hafeez went on to score 126, which came off 208 deliveries and included 15 boundaries, before he was trapped lbw off the bowling of Peter Siddle, who, prior to this, had not played Test cricket since November 2016.

Hafeez decided to review the decision, but replays showed that the ball was pitching in line and clipping leg stump.

Pakistan were dealt another blow right at the end of the day as Azhar Ali was caught by Mitchell Starc at mid-off off the bowling of Jon Holland for 18.

Haris Sohail and Mohammad Abbas, who was sent in as the nightwatchman, ensured Pakistan reached stumps safely as they amassed an unbeaten 11-run partnership.

Sohail finished on 15 off 53 balls, which included a six, while Abbas remained undefeated on one.

Lyon, Siddle and Holland picked up one wicket apiece.

Pakistan ended day one on 255/3 and will continue batting on Monday at 10:00 local time or 06:00 GMT.