Pakistan opening bats create history

Imam-ul-Haq has joined one of the most illustrious clubs in Test cricket, becoming just the 12th man to hit twin centuries against Australia in the drawn first Test.

On a day of records for Pakistan, the left-hander combined with Abdullah Shafique for the country's greatest-ever partnership against Australia before a draw was called at 0-251.

Shafique also hit his maiden Test century to finish on 136 not out, bringing up the ton in just his sixth first-class match.

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On a pitch made for batters, Imam-ul-Haq made the biggest mark.

Recalled to the team for this month's series after two years out, the opener made his chance count with his first Test ton (157) in their first innings of 4-476 decl.

He then backed it up with an unbeaten 111 in the second, bringing up three figures when he lofted Travis Head to long off late on day five.

The 26-year-old's chance in the team only came after a heart issue suffered by Abid Ali last December, with Imam-ul-Haq's weight of runs at first-class level ensuring him another chance.

"The whole process from the last one-and-a-half years, I was just trying to correct my basics," he said.

"Wait for the loose balls and have good positive intent.

"It's the most satisfying feeling to score a hundred in both innings, especially against Australia as they have a great bowling attack."

He joins a group that includes the likes of Herb Sutcliffe, Walter Hammond, Denis Compton, Virat Kohli and fellow Pakistanis Younis Khan, Azhar Ali and Misbah-ul-Haq.

The Balochistan opener also became just the 10th Pakistan player to score twin tons in a Test against any opponent.

Among other records, he and Shafique also became just the third Pakistan