Misbah Scores 100 at LORD’s, bolsters Pakistan

LONDON: Pakistan Test skipper Misbah-ul-Haq on Thursday registered a remarkable century against England during the first of four Test matches at Lord’s. His 10th Test century came in 154 balls in his first ever Test match on British shores as Pakistan made 282/6 on Day 1.

The day belonged to the two unlikely heroes, Misbah-ul-Haq and Asad Shafiq.

Who’d have thought  that this 42-year-old with a highly unorthodox technique, on his first trip to the UK  would get his name on the honours board? Having done so he has put his team in a formidable position, way better than what the pre-series astrologers had predicted. Batting first on a clear morning and a track that kept getting sluggish by the session, Hafeez started off proceedings positively but three quick wickets soon after brought most senior mates, Younis and Misbah out to the middle. 

They took full advantage of the brilliant batting conditions and bunted the already hurting attack. Pakistan looked in trouble when a 57-run partnership between Younis and captain Misbah was broken by Stuart Broad when Younis flicked on the leg side and got out on 33. But “Dark Knight” Misbah as calm and composed as always stayed there, built a partnership with Asad Shafiq and made a century on debut at Lords. 

Misbah became the oldest (42 years) batsman to score a century at Lord’s in 82 Years. Not Sachin, neither Ponting nor Lara. Its Misbah who did it. Mohammad Amir will also mark his return as will be bowling and will be in the spotlight.