• Pakistan chose to bat first first after winning the toss in Multan.
• Host team faced early blow as opener Saim Ayub got caught behind.
• Saud Shakeel, Naseem Shah continue their partnership on crease.

MULTAN: Saud Shakeel stayed on course to be the third Pakistan batter to smash a hundred in the opening test against England as the hosts reached 397 for six at lunch on the second day of the contest on Tuesday.

Naseem Shah excelled in the nightwatchman’s role as he smashed a career-best 33, collaborating in a 64-run partnership with Saud, who was batting on 67 at the break.

Salman Agha was yet to open his account at the other end on a batter’s paradise at the Multan Cricket Stadium.

England were made to toil with little reward on Monday and it was more of the same when play resumed as Naseem, a key cog in Pakistan’s new-ball attack, proved he could contribute with the bat as well.

Naseem smacked three sixes, denying England a breakthrough in the first hour, despite suffering hits to the helmet and his bowling hand.

His 82-ball defiance finally came to an end when he tickled Brydon Carse to Harry Brook at leg slip, giving the debutant seamer his maiden test wicket.

Next man in Mohammad Rizwan fell for a 12-ball duck, stepping out against Jack Leach and spooning the ball to Chris Woakes at mid-off.

Saud has looked in control hitting eight fours in his fine knock.