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Aussies strike early in Dubai

Dubai - Pakistan struggled to 50-2 at lunch on the opening day of the first Test against Australia on Wednesday after losing their openers in the first four overs.

Australia's new-ball pair of Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle quickly removed Mohammad Hafeez (nought) and Ahmed Shehzad (three) after Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat on a dry and grassless pitch at Dubai stadium.

Azhar Ali (24) and Younis Khan (14) steadied the innings with a fighting 43-run stand for the third wicket.

Ali survived a chance off Johnson two overs before lunch while on 22 when Chris Rogers failed to hold a difficult chance at point.

With two wickets down Ali and Younis were so cautious that Pakistan's first boundary only came in the 13th over.

Michael Clarke introduced debutant left-arm spinner Steve O'Keefe in the sixth over but Ali and Younis negotiated the spin better than pace.

Johnson removed Hafeez with a superb yorker, trapping the opener lbw right in front with the fifth ball of the match's first over.

Shehzad was set up by Siddle as he exposed the leg stump and was bowled round his legs.

Pakistan gave Test debuts to leg-spinner Yasir Shah and paceman Imran Khan, while Australia had all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and O'Keefe playing their first Tests.

The second and final Test will start in Abu Dhabi on October 30.


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