RAWALPINDI: President Arif Alvi witnessed the opening day play of the historic Rawalpindi Test on Thursday as it marked England’s Test side’s return to Pakistan after a gap of 17 years. 

England, who last played a Test match on Pakistani home soil back in 2005, has been playing its first-ever Test at Pindi Cricket Stadium.

President Alvi celebrated this historic milestone for Pakistan cricket as he reached the stadium to attend the first day of the opening Test between the two sides. Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja welcomed the president on his arrival.

Meanwhile, British High Commissioner Christian Turner also witnessed the proceedings of the record-breaking day for England Cricket.

On the opening day of the first Test, England raised a record 506/4 – the highest by any team on the first day of a Test match – as they dominated Pakistan’s bowling attack with help of four individual centuries.

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope and Harry Brook blasted phenomenal hundreds each to steer the visiting side to a commanding position in the game.

It is pertinent to mention here that England will play three-game series as Multan and Karachi will host the second and third Test, respectively.

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