File picture of Pakistan’s Younis Khan.

Younis Khan hit a record-equalling century to guide Pakistan to 219-4 on the opening day of the first Test against Australia in Dubai yesterday.

The 36-year-old right hander scored 106 for his 25th century to help Pakistan counter the fiery pace of Mitchell Johnson (3-22) after Pakistan won the toss and decided to bat on a flat, grass-less Dubai stadium pitch.

At close, skipper Misbah-ul Haq was unbeaten on 34 and with him Asad Shafiq not out nine.

Batting on 99, Younis jumped out of his crease to hit off-spinner Nathan Lyon for a big six to reach the three-figure mark off 220 balls, equalling Pakistan’s record for most hundreds held by Inzamam-ul Haq.

Younis reached the mark in his 92nd Test as compared to Inzamam’s 120.

He also became the first Pakistani to score a hundred against all nine Test opponents, and overall the 12th batsmen in the world to reach the honour.

Younis said he felt proud at helping the team and achieve a rare honour.

“When you play with your heart, things go your way and I am proud to be the first Pakistani to score hundreds against all countries and to equal the great Inzamam’s record,” said Younis.

“If we manage to score 400 plus we can put Australia under pressure but it’s not going to be easy because they have bowled well especially Johnson.”

Johnson, the best of Australia’s pace-cum-spin attack, removed Younis with the second delivery of the second new ball, trapping him leg-before with a sharper one.

In all Younis batted for five hours and 17 minutes and hit ten boundaries and a six.

Younis added 108 for the third wicket with Azhar Ali (53) and another valuable 83 with Misbah to steady the innings.

He played an innings of maturity and guile after Pakistan had lost both openers by the fourth over, with Mohammad Hafeez (nought) and Ahmed Shehzad (three) dismissed by Johnson and pace partner Peter Siddle.

It was Johnson who gave Australia the breakthrough as early as off the fifth ball of the match, trapping Hafeez leg-before with a superb yorker.

Shehzad was set up by Siddle as he exposed his leg-stump and was bowled.

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

Pakistan were 50-2 at lunch and continued to bat solidly as Ali was the first to reach his 16th half-century with a sweep boundary off Lyon.

Johnson returned for his third spell to remove Ali whose uppish drive was well caught at short cover by Alex Doolan. Ali hit six boundaries during his 216-minute stay.

Lyon and O’Keefe strived for spin but the pitch gave little assistance to them except for the final few overs, but Johnson stood out with his fire power and speed.

Both teams included two spinners in their squads, with Pakistan giving a Test debut to leg-spinner Yasir Shah.

Paceman Imran Khan was also included for his first Test.

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.

Younis proud at record equalling century

Veteran batsman Younis Khan yesterday said he was proud to become the first Pakistani to score a hundred against all nine Test opponents and equalling the record of most hundreds for his country.

“The feeling is very nice, it’s an honour and I feel proud to become the first Pakistani to score against all countries,” said Younis after the match.

Younis scored a brilliant 177 against Sri Lanka in August, a point where he started to chase the rare honour. 

“It was never in my mind before but when I scored a hundred in Sri Lanka it came on my mind, when I equalled (Mohammad) Yousuf’s record of 24 then it came to my mind that I have no hundreds against Australia and then equalling the great Inzamam’s record, its even a bigger honour to be equal with him,” said Younis.

Dropped for the preceding 3-0 one-day defeat against Australia, Younis said it has not always been easy during his career.  “It has never been easy for me throughout my career,” said Younis, who made his debut in 2000.

“Things keep going against me but all the time I play for my country and whenever my team needs me I go there and play positive cricket and it was in my mind that if I do something here I will be a proud Pakistani.”