Rain stops Babar's counter attack on ENG bowlers on Day1 of 1st Test

Manchester: Babar Azam's unbeaten half-century (69* off 100) led Pakistan to 139/2 at Tea as rain stopped play on Day 1 of the first test against England, here at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Azam and Shan Masood (45 not out) were unbeaten at the crease before bad Manchester weather forced the players to go back to pavilion.Resuming the play in the post-lunch session from 53/2, Babar Azam struck a four off the first ball he faced from James Anderson. 

Throughout the session, Babar looked in sublime touch at the middle and completed his fifty in just 70 balls. At the other end, Shan Masood looked solid but survived a dropped catch from Jos Buttler.Both the batsmen complemented each other well and added a 78-run stand for the third wicket before the play was stopped due to bad light. 

Earlier, Pakistan captain Azhar Ali won the toss and elected to bat first. The visitors were off to a watchful start as England bowlers kept a disciplined line and length.After batting beautifully in the first hour of the morning session, Pakistan lost Abid Ali (16) and skipper Azhar Ali (0) in quick succession.

Azhar was trapped leg before wicket by seamer Chris Woakes, while Jofra Archer dismissed Abid Ali.Pakistan last won a test series in England in 1996, though three of the five since have been drawn, including their last two visits in 2016 and 2018.

Brief Scores: Pakistan 139/2 (Babar Azam 69*, Shan Masood 46*; Woakes 1/14) vs England

(UNI)