Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq complete centuries as runs flow in Rawalpindi

On the third day of the first Test, Pakistan’s openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq both scored hundreds against England as a flat Rawalpindi Stadium wicket continued to provide runs.

In response to England’s massive 657, Pakistan opened the day with 181 runs without losing; they needed 458 to escape the follow-on.

With a six and a quick single from Joe Root, Shafique, who had reached 89 overnight, became the first player to reach three figures. Haq, who had begun the session on 90, then did so with a boundary off the same bowler.

Having also hit three figures against Australia in March of this year, they both now have three Test centuries and consecutive hundreds at the location.

Shafique got a century in the second innings, while Haq scored hundreds in both of his innings against Australia.

Ramiz Raja, the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board, described the Rawalpindi pitch as a remnant from “the dark ages,” and it has received harsh criticism.