Pakistan vs Australia | Imam's century takes Pakistan to commanding 245-1 on day one

Veteran Azhar Ali was also looking solid on 64 not out.

Opener Imam-ul-Haq hit a memorable first Test century on Friday and led Pakistan to a commanding 245-1 in its first home Test against Australia in 24 years.

The left-hander closed out the opening day of the first Test on 132 not out on a typically slow and grassless subcontinent wicket. Veteran Azhar Ali was also looking solid on 64 not out.

Australia might have missed a trick by opting to go with its three frontline fast bowlers, who hardly troubled the batters with both the new and old ball. Australia even used its three part-time spinners — Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head and Steve Smith — without any reward.

Imam and Azhar denied Australia any hope of a breakthrough with the new ball in the 10 overs before stumps and stretched their second-wicket partnership to 140.

The lone Australian specialist spinner, Nathan Lyon (1-87), got the only success of the day for the visitors when he dismissed Abdullah Shafique for 44 just before lunch, but not before a 105-run opening wicket stand with Imam.

Azhar and Imam then frustrated Australia for the entire two sessions by piling up another century stand.

Imam, playing in his 12th Test but first in 27 months, showed grit throughout the day against fast bowlers and spinners after captain Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat.