Walking out to bat with Pakistan at a comfortable 313-2 in Rawalpindi, Azam got his innings going with a four, hit off the sixth ball that he faced. The last ball of the 122nd over sent down by Cameron Green was on a fuller length, and Azam smashed it down the ground with perfection, past the fielders for a magnificent four.

Australia, who are contesting their first Test series in Pakistan for 24 years, did not have the greatest start to their tour, as they took just four wickets in 162 overs as Pakistan declared on 476-4.

Both Pakistan and Australia observed a minute’s silence before the start of play on day two as a tribute to Shane Warne, who passed away on Friday aged 52.

Watch Babar Azam hit a fine straight drive to get off the mark:

What a way to get off the mark.#PAKvAUSpic.twitter.com/IZgMtsNuJU

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) March 5, 2022