LONDON: Pakistan won the opening match of their three-Test series against England thanks to a 2-1 victory in Cannock, central England, on Tuesday.

After both sides had missed chances, Akhtar Ali put Pakistan ahead after a counter-attack off the back of an England penalty corner in the 19th minute.

But Pakistan were in front for just two minutes before Ashley Jackson equalised with a drag-flick from a penalty corner.

However, the set-piece again proved pivotal in producing Pakistan's winner three minutes after half-time when Muhammad Irfan rounded off a neat penalty-corner move to beat Cannock goalkeeper James Fair.

The second match of the series takes place in Cannock on Thursday.—AFP