Zak Crawley struck his maiden Test century as England established a strong position on the opening day of their series finale against Pakistan at Southampton on Friday.
Crawley’s commanding 171 not out was the centrepiece of England’s 332-4 at stumps after captain Joe Root won the toss.
Jos Buttler (87 not out) proved a fine, free-scoring ally to Crawley during an unbroken stand of 205. Crawley came in with England struggling at 12-1 following the loss of Rory Burns.
But the 22-year-old Kent batsman, in just his eighth Test, got off the mark with a boundary and rarely looked troubled during what was just the fourth first-class century, and highest score, of his career.
England, 1-0 up in the three-match contest, will win their first Test series against Pakistan in 10 years if they avoid defeat at the Ageas Bowl.
