On the opening day of their first Test trip to Pakistan in 17 years, England’s openers took on the hosts in some style, bringing up the team’s 100 in just 13.5 overs. By the 31st over, they had crossed 200.

Pakistan finally got their first breakthrough in the 36th over, when Ben Duckett was dismissed by leg-spinner Zahid Mehmood to end England’s 233-run opening stand. It didn’t take them long to get their second wicket as well, with Rauf – playing in his hometown – striking for the first time in Tests.

Crawley, who had moved to 122 off 110 balls, seemingly misread the line of Rauf’s angling delivery – clocked at 89mph – which gathered some reverse swing on its way. It skidded through the gap between the front pad and Crawley’s intended drive to peg back his off stump.

The delivery ended a fine knock by Crawley: it was his first century since the one in the Caribbean in March, and only his second fifty-plus score in his last 17 Test innings. It was also his highest score since his 267 against the same opposition in 2020.

Already an established name in T20 cricket, Rauf has had a relatively short career first-class career, playing just eight games before his Test debut. Along with Rauf, three other Pakistan players – Mahmood, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Ali, earned their Test caps on Thursday morning.

Watch Haris Rauf’s maiden Test wicket here:

Castled! 🎯

Local boy @HarisRauf14 gets his first Test wicket ☝️#PAKvENG | #UKSePK pic.twitter.com/iV7ExlLxF6

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 1, 2022