England vs Pakistan, 1st Test: Babar hits fluent fifty as Pakistan reach 139/2 at stumps on rain-hit Day 1

That's it from us on the opening day of the first Test between England and Pakistan in Manchester. Do join us tomorrow at 3 pm IST for the live coverage of Day 2.
Day 1 in a nutshell!
Babar Azam struck a fluent unbeaten half-century as Pakistan closed a rain-shorted first day of the first Test against England on 139 for two at a gloomy and wet Old Trafford in Manchester.Babar (69*) showed all his skill and class to weather an early storm from the England bowlers, and wrestle away the initiative along with the more sedate opener Shan Masood (46*). England were superb before lunch, heading into the interval with Pakistan on 53 for two, but wayward and tepid after the break as the tourists piled on 68 runs in 16.1 overs before rain brought an early tea. The players came back late in the day for 7.5 overs, but bad light meant England had to bowl spinners Dom Bess and Joe Root, and Pakistan were able to see off their threat. The closest the home side came to a wicket was a stumping chance for Jos Buttler against Shan off Bess, but the bounce of the ball eluded the wicketkeeper and the left-hander survived. Fast bowler Jofra Archer took the first wicket in the innings, bowling Abid Ali (16) with a delivery that nipped back and burst through the gap between bat and pad after a tentative prod from the batsman. Seamer Chris Woakes then claimed the big scalp of touring captain Azhar Ali, trapped leg before wicket for a duck, which left the visitors teetering at 43 for two as the ball whistled about in the gloom. Yet they were unable to hammer home that advantage, instead losing their line, length and intensity in a limp post-lunch session as Babar and Shan added an unbeaten 96 for the second wicket. Pakistan had earlier won the toss and elected to bat, with England captain Root admitting he would have done the same, hopeful of utilising a wearing wicket late in the game that is expected to take turn.
Stumps, Day 1

And the official confirmation has come from the umpires. That's stumps on Day 1 as bad light forces umpires to call it a day. Just 49 overs bowled in the day and Pakistan have 139/2 on the board with Babar Azam (69*) and Shan Masood (46*) unbeaten at the crease.
And, the bad light has forced play to stop once again. Just 7.5 overs have been bowled so far in the final session and once again there is a forced stoppage. PAK 139/2 after 49 overs
46.4 overs: Missed stumping chance! Shan Masood dances down the track against Dom Bess but misses the ball completely. The ball bounced more than wicketkeeper Jos Buttler anticipated and hits him on the arm. Buttler fails to hold on to the ball and misses a crucial stumping chance. Masood gets a lucky reprieve. PAK 127/2
End of 44th over: A tidy first over from Joe Root but the England skipper is restricted from bringing up his seamers into the attack. Due to low light England only have the option of using the spinners. Dom Bess to continue from the other end. PAK 124/2
End of 43rd over: A tidy first over from Dom Bess in the final session. Just a single from it. And we have a change in bowling as Joe Root comes in to replace Jofra Archer. Spin at both ends now from England. PAK 123/2
End of 42nd over: Jofra Archer bowls the remaining 5 balls of his unfinished over. Babar Azam collects a single off it. The umpires are having a word with England skipper Joe Root as they feel Jofra Archer's bouncers under artificial lights might be a bit risky. They have also now asked for a lightmeter. Dom Bess will bowl from the other end. PAK 122/2
Finally we have some good news! The final session on Day 1 is set to resume at 10:15 pm IST. We are just about 5 minutes away from restart. England players are on the field and warming up.
Meanwhile, here's what England cricketers are doing as the groundstaff continues to work tirelessly on the field.

Quick stat!

Update from Manchester! There will be another inspection at 10 pm IST. The play has to restart by 10:30 pm IST otherwise the day will have to be called off.
Update: Good news! The rain has stopped, the skies are clear and the groundstaff is taking off the covers. There will be an inspection by the umpires at 9:30 pm IST.
Update: It's been some time since the preponed tea break got over but rain continues to play a spoilsport in Manchester. We still have a bit of time left for the evening session.
Tea report: Babar Azam struck a fluent unbeaten half-century as Pakistan moved to 121 for two at tea following a session cut short by rain on day one of the first Test against England at a gloomy Old Trafford in Manchester. It was a profitable period before the break for the tourists, who will resume with the imperious Azam (52*) and opener Shan Masood (45*) as they seek to mount a big first innings total having won the toss and elected to bat. The pair were able to up the scoring rate after lunch, adding 68 runs in 16.1 overs before rain forced them from the field. It was chalk and cheese from the first session, where England's bowlers beat the bat almost at will and picked up the wickets of captain Azhar Ali for a duck, trapped leg before wicket by Chris Woakes, and Abid Ali (16), who was bowled by Jofra Archer. England had found the right line and length then, but were wayward after lunch and Azam, the key player in the Pakistan batting line-up, was able to capitalise as he moved to his half-century from 70 balls with nine fours.
Tea Break, Day 1

So, the rain has forced umpires to go for an early tea break, roughly 30 minutes before the scheduled time. Pakistan in the shortened second session played brilliantly, not losing any wicket. Babar Azam (52*) and Shan Masood (45*) have played superbly so far and will continue after the break. PAK 121/2
Rain stops play in Manchester!
And for the second time in the day, rain halts play. The first stoppage was brief but this looks a lengthy one. It is also quite gloomy out there. Players are back in the dressing room.
PAK 121/2 after 41.1 overs
50 up for Babar Azam!
Gets to his 14th Test half-century off 70 balls. Follows a boundary with a comfortable single off Dom Bess to get to his fifty. Babar along with Shan Masood looking solid at the crease.

End of 40th over: Drinks Break! So, an hour into the second session both Babar Azam (45*) and Shan Masood (45*) are looking settled in at the crease. Both have added 70 runs for the fourth wicket are finding boundaries quite regularly. PAK 113/2
100 up for Pakistan!
A gorgeous shot through deep extra cover from Babar Azam off Dom Bess and Pakistan get to the 100-run mark after 37 overs.
Shan Masood 38*
Babar Azam 39*
PAK 100/2

End of 35th over: Another bowling change for England as Jofra Archer comes in to replace Stuart Broad. And straightaway he gets hit for a boundary by Babar Azam straight down the ground. Over-pitched delivery from Archer and Babar just checked his shot at the last moment, eventually timing it perfectly towards the long on boundary. PAK 89/2
End of 32nd over: A five-run over from Stuart Broad comes to an end. With both James Anderson and Broad failing to make a breakthrough post lunch, skipper Joe Root has now brought in off-spinner Dom Bess into the attack in place of Anderson. PAK 79/2
30.4 overs: FOUR! A cracking punch off the backfoot from Babar Azam off James Anderson. Babar was in complete control of the shot the ball just raced towards the cover fence. PAK 74/2
28.2 overs: FOUR! Second time post lunch James Anderson has strayed down the leg side and once again Babar Azam comfortably hits him in the wide mid-wicket region to collect four runs. Babar moves to 14 with that glorious shot. PAK 69/2
27.3 overs: FOUR! Short and wide outside off from Stuart Broad and Shan Masood hits it through the backward point region to collect his first boundary post lunch. Masood moves to 31 and is looking in good rhythm. PAK 63/2
26.1 overs: FOUR! Poor start from James Anderson. Drifts onto the pads of Babar Azam and he wasted no time on that one. Flicks down the leg side and the ball races to the fine leg fence. First boundary of the day for Babar. PAK 57/2
End of 26th over: A tidy start from Stuart Broad straight after lunch. A maiden! James Anderson will share the ball with Broad at the start of the second session. PAK 53/2
Welcome back to the post lunch session on Day 1 in Manchester. Shan Masood 27* and Babar Azam 4* are at the crease to resume Pakistan innings. Stuart Broad will start the proceedings for England in the second session. PAK 53/2
Lunch report, Day 1: Captain Azhar Ali was out for a duck as Pakistan limped to 53 for two under floodlights and heavy skies at lunch on Day one of the first Test against England in Manchester. Ali was trapped in front by Chris Woakes as the hosts kept a disciplined line and length after being asked to field first at Old Trafford. Opener Shan Masood (27*) and Babar Azam (4*) were at the crease, seeking to put some pressure back on the home bowlers, who beat the bat with regularity.Fast bowler Jofra Archer claimed the first scalp, bowling Abid Ali (16) with a superb delivery that nipped back at the opener, who pushed halfway forward. Earlier, England have named an unchanged side from the one that defeated West Indies by 269 runs last week, though key all-rounder Ben Stokes is unlikely to be used much with the ball due to a quad injury. Pakistan have gone in the match with three seam bowlers and a couple of spinners.

Lunch, Day 1!
End of 25th over:A brilliant session comes to an end with England slightly ahead of the visitors. Shan Masood (27*) and Babar Azam (4*) remain unbeaten on respectively. PAK 53/2
50 up for Pakistan!
Single off the last ball and Pakistan raise their fifty after 23 overs. They are at a precarious position with two wickets down after getting off to a solid start. Shan Masood is batting is batting on 27 alongside Babar Azam, who has just opened his scoring with that single. PAK 50/2
End of 22nd over: Maiden! Another tight over from Jofra Archer comes to an end. Both Babar Azam (0*) and Shan Masood (26*) looking to steady Pakistan's wobbling ship. PAK 48/2

18.1 overs: OUT! Chris Woakes hits the front pad of Azhar Ali and the umpire has risen the finger. Ali goes for the review straightaway but it seems that he has got it wrong this time. Replays and ball-tracking confirm that there was not bat involved and the ball is hitting the stumps. Review gone wrong for Pakistan as Azhar departs for a 6-ball duck. PAK 43/2
That was quick!
A small rain break as the players are back on the field. Jofra Archer is back on his mark to finish the remaining two balls of his over. Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali will once again be up against him. PAK 36/1
Rain halts play in Manchester!
And, we have our forced break of the match just an hour after the start. The cover are coming on and the players are walking back. PAK 36/1after 15.4 overs

15.1 overs: OUT! And England have their first breakthrough as Jofra Archer castles Abid Ali. A peach of a delivery that just went through the defences of Ali. He takes a long walk back to the pavilion after scoring 16. A much-neede breakthrough finally arrives for England. PAK 36/1
End of 14th over: So, the first hour of play is done and dusted and both the Pakistan openers have played pretty well so far. Shan Masood and Abid Ali are looking solid as England have introduced all their four frontline seamers in the first half of the morning session. PAK 34/0
End of 13th over: Another tight over from Chris Woakes comes to an end. A maiden! And we have another bowling change as Jofra Archer comes in to replace Stuart Broad. PAK 32/0
End of 11th over: A probing start from Chris Woakes. Just a single from his first over. Both Abid Ali (13*) and Shan Masood (12*) looking strong and smart at the crease. Stuart Broad to continue from the other end. PAK 30/0
8.4 overs: FOUR! Outside off from James Anderson this time and Abid Ali goes after it. Gets a thick outside edge and the ball flies past the gully region for another boundary. Rory Burns went for it with a full-stretched dive to his right but fails to get a hand to it. PAK 27/0
8.3 overs: FOUR! On the pads from from James Anderson and Abid Ali comfortably pushes the ball in the square-leg region to collect his first boundary of the match. PAK 23/0

End of 8th over: Maiden! Another tidy over from Stuart Broad comes to an end. Both Shan Masood and Abid Ali very carefully negotiating the crucial first hour at the crease. Both batting at 10 and 3 respectively. PAK 18/0
5.5 overs: FOUR! Outside off from Stuart Broad and Shan Masood after initially looking to leave the ball, eventually edges it. The ball runs down the gully region to the fence. PAK 13/0
End of 5th over: So, Pakistan are off to a watchful start under a cloudy Manchester skies. Both James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been pretty neat with the bowling but Shan Masood (2*) and Abid Ali (2*) too have been up to the mark. PAK 9/0
2.2 overs: FOUR! And the first boundary of the series comes in the form of leg byes. Short of a length delivery from James Anderson on the leg side. The ball hits the pads of Shan Masood and runs past the wicketkeeper Jos Buttler for a boundary. PAK 6/0
End of 2nd over: Two runs from Stuart Broad's first over. Both the Pakistani batsmen Abid Ali and Shan Masood are off the mark now after the second over of the innings. James Anderson to continue from the other end. PAK 2/0
1.1 over: First run of the series comes from the bat of Abid Ali. Pushes a Stuart Broad delivery towards the cover region for a comfortable single. Ali gets off the mark first ball. PAK 1/0
End of 1st over: A probing start from James Anderson. A maiden first up! A cracking first over that saw movement in the air and off the pitch. Shan Masood off to a watchful start. Stuart Broad will share the new ball with Anderson from the other end.
Its cool and overcast in Manchester and James Anderson has the new cherry in hand for England. Shan Masood and Abid Ali are out in the middle for Pakistan. Three slips and a gully in place for Shan. Here we go!
Playing XI for both teams
Pakistan: Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali(c), Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Shadab Khan, Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah

England: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Root(c), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler(w), Chris Woakes, Dominic Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Toss news: Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali wins the toss and has opted to bat first in Manchester.

The Pakistan squad is all set!

Just some final touches for the Pakistan players ahead of the start of first Test at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

Hello and welcome back for the start of another Test series in a 'bio-secure' bubble, after England successfully hosted West Indies to mark the return of cricket from the pandemic-hit break.
Joe Root's men won that three-match series 2-1. Up from today, is the Test assignment against Pakistan, who will get their first taste of the conditions while playing in the world that is still under the grip of coronavirus.
The hosts are sweating over the fitness of their hero against West Indies, Ben Stokes, whose bowling fitness is under the scanner; but England will definitely explore the possibility of playing the all-rounder as a specialist batsman before ruling him out.
Here's the Match Preview:
England know another sluggish start to a Test campaign could prove costly as they go in search of a first series win over Pakistan in a decade.
Wednesday sees a three-match contest get underway with the first Test at Old Trafford. And while England can point to recent series victories over most of their rivals, their last such success against Pakistan was back in 2010.
That campaign, however, was overshadowed by a 'spot-fixing' scandal at Lord's which led to bans and jail terms for then Pakistan captain Salman Butt as well as pacemen Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir.
England have lost the first Test in eight of their last 10 series -- including during last month's 2-1 win over the West Indies that marked international cricket's return from the coronavirus lockdown.
It is a statistic they are all well aware of, with in-form England pacemen Chris Woakes admitting: "I'd love to be able to put my finger on it and I'm sure the management and the team would as well.
"It's not coincidence but it's almost, it is just a coincidence that we can keep losing that first Test match.
"But we want to put that right," he added, with the eyes of the global cricket community set to turn to Manchester in the absence of any other major international fixtures outside of England amid the pandemic.
Both of Pakistan's past two series in England -- 2016 and 2018 -- ended in draws, which should encourage the tourists this time even though they go into the first Test on the back of just a couple of intra-squad warm-up fixtures compared to their 'match-hardened' hosts.
"We've had good preparations and team bonding," said Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq on Monday.
"Still we feel there is always a slight nervousness when you just play Test cricket after a long, long time (away)," he added ahead of his side's first Test in six months.
Misbah accepted that how his batsmen coped with James Anderson and Stuart Broad -- who now both have more than 500 Test wickets each after Broad reached the landmark against the West Indies -- would go a long way to determining the outcome of the series.
But the former Pakistan captain was also excited by a pace attack that includes the youthful promise of teenage rising star Naseem Shah as well as the accurate Mohammad Abbas,and towering left-armer Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Naseem has impressed Pakistan fast-bowling great turned bowling Waqar Younis and Misbah so much when they saw him in action in Lahore, the coach said they had no qualms about fast-tracking a "complete bowler" into Pakistan's side in Australia last year.
Naseem became the youngest bowler to take a Test hat-trick against Bangladesh in February and he showed a liking for English conditions with 10 wickets in the two practice matches at Derby.
"He is one who could win a Test match on his own," said Misbah of Naseem.
Pakistan, however, could still deploy two spinners at Old Trafford in Yasir Shah and Shadab Khan.
The West Indies failed to post a single individual century in their recent series. Pakistan will hope the likes of Abid Ali, the first man to score a hundred on both Test and one-day international debut, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Babar Asam and Asad Shafiq can provide the runs they need.
Meanwhile England must decide whether to stick with four quicks in their XI after Ben Stokes couldn't bowl in the West Indies decider because of a quad injury.
The star all-rounder was, however, reported to have bowled with good pace in the nets on Monday.