Abu Dhabi: Shoaib Malik hit a fighting hundred to cap an impressive return to Test cricket after five years as he led Pakistan's charge in the first Test against England here yesterday. Malik was unbeaten on 124 for his third Test hundred — his first against England — to guide Pakistan to 286-4 at close on the opening day.


Shoaib Malik en route his unbeaten 124 yesterday. Pic/Getty Images

Malik added an invaluable 168 for the second wicket with opener Mohammad Hafeez who missed his century by two runs after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on a flat pitch which is expected to take turn on the last two days.

Malik, who has been averaging 100 in ODIs this year, has so far hit 14 boundaries in his 230-ball patient knock.