Butt century boosts Pakistan

Pakistanis 270 for 4 (Butt 153, Misbah 43, Macdonald 2-40) v Tasmania
Scorecard

Pakistan got off to a solid start to their tour of Australia, as opening batsman Salman Butt's knock of 153 took them to 270 for 4 at stumps on the first day against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval.

Under overcast conditions, the hosts decided to put the visitors in and, much like in their recent tour of New Zealand, the openers struggled initially. Butt was dropped and reprieved again when Tim Paine missed a stumping opportunity before he could get his eye in. He went on to make the most of the lapses, dropping anchor and settling in for a long vigil at the crease. Building upon the confidence he picked in his final innings in New Zealand, he dug in and, along with Imran Farhat, added 69 runs for the opening wicket. Tim Macdonald then got Farhat's scalp after which Faisal Iqbal fell cheaply.

Butt carried on and found a willing partner in Misbah-ul-Haq, who is looking to resurrect his international career. Misbah struck two sixes in the partnership of 113 before Macdonald sent him back, seven short of a half-century. With stumps in sight, Butt was dismissed by the economical Brett Geeves, but not before he had crossed 150 with 23 fours, a knock that will give him confidence ahead of the Test series. Pakistan will hope Umar Akmal and the rest of the lower order can swell the total before they have a go at the home team on the second day.