Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik recovered from Pakistan's early blow of losing Shan Masood to reach 82-1 at lunch on day one of the first Test against England in Abu Dhabi.
Despite losing the toss and being asked to field, England, who are competing in their first Test series since regaining the Ashes in the summer, made a quick breakthrough inside three overs.
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James Anderson nabbed his 414th Test wicket by sending Masood packing on just two runs, which he scored off six deliveries.
The Pakistan batsman was caught off guard with the short ball, and as he swung his head to avoid the path of the delivery, the ball bounced off his grille and onto middle stump.
England could have taken two wickets four overs later when Anderson delivered to Hafeez, but Ian Bell was left red faced when he fluffed a routine catch.
The 33-year-old was well positioned at second slip and when the ball came his way it fell into his palms, but he struggled to keep hold of it and the ball tumbled to the ground.
From that point on, Hafeez and Malik were able to tot up the runs at a steady pace, while England introduced Adil Rashid into the attack for the first time at Test level.
In his first over, the Yorkshire man stifled Pakistan's movement with the bat, but Hafeez was able to steer for four off the last ball.
Hafeez (44 not out) and Malik (36 not out) will return to the crease for the afternoon session.
