LEEDS: Heavy rain brought an early lunch on the opening day of the first Test between England and Pakistan at Headingley on Wednesday, with the visitors reduced to 23-2 before play was interrupted.
England captain Joe Root won the toss and opted to bowl first, putting Pakistan into bat under overcast conditions.
The decision quickly paid off as Pakistan lost two early wickets, leaving Abdullah Shafique unbeaten on 12 and Imam-ul-Haq on five when the rain forced the players off the field.
Pakistan are playing the series opener without regular Test captain Babar Azam, who was ruled out after failing to recover from a hand injury sustained during a practice match against a PCC Select XI. All-rounder Salman Ali Agha is leading Pakistan in Babar’s absence.
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The match marks Pakistan’s return to England for a Test series for the first time since 2020. The two sides last contested a three-match series in England five years ago, with the hosts winning 1-0 and the other two Tests ending in draws.
Pakistan have also endured a long wait for a Test series victory in England, having last achieved the feat in 1996.
Wasim Akram’s side won that series 2-1, completing Pakistan’s third successive Test series triumph in England after victories under Imran Khan in 1987 and Javed Miandad in 1992.
The two teams have faced each other 92 times in Test cricket, with England winning 30 matches, Pakistan 23 and 39 ending in draws.
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