MULTAN: Pakistan got off to a good start in the first Test of the three-match series against England in Multan on Monday. At stumps on day one at Multan, they were 328 for the loss of four wickets. Opener Abdullah Shafiq (102) and skipper Shan Masood (151) were the top scorers for the hosts. The three-match Test series against England will be crucial for Pakistan, who have surrendered a two-match series at home against Bangladesh.

The Pakistan captain won the toss and decided to bat first in Multan. Left-handed opener Sayeem Ayub (4) scored just four runs before Gus Atkinson returned him to the pavilion in the fourth over. Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafiq added 253 runs for the second wicket to put Pakistan in a commanding position. However, both of them got out after a short break, which was a minor setback for Pakistan. Babar Azam (30) was dismissed at number four.

Saud Shakeel (35*) and nightwatchman Naseem Shah (0*) are at the crease. For England, fast bowler Gus Atkinson took two wickets while Chris Woakes took one wicket. Spinner Jack Leach got a wicket. It was in the last session of the first day that England put up a slightly better show on the first day. With Pakistan looking to move on to a massive score on the second day and England looking to get Pakistan out quickly, fans are hoping that the match will be exciting.