At the end of a breakneck opening day in Multan there was still only one story in town, Abrar Ahmed, a 24-year-old mystery spinner with the air of a junior accountant, announcing his arrival at Test level with a remarkable set of numbers on debut.
Pakistan had closed on 107 for two from 28 overs in reply to England’s slightly madcap 281 all out from 51.4, the kites gliding and swooping overhead as Babar Azam defied a 97mph peppering from Mark Wood and delivered a commanding 61 not out. For a crowd that swelled after Friday prayers, this knock was as sweet as the local jalebi.
