PAKISTAN like always come out with a surprise package and the squad currently touring England is no different. Inexperienced they may be, but their ability to rise to the occasion seldom leaves any one in doubt as to when and how they would suddenly sneak out from behind to strike.

Time and again we have witnessed that. Not long ago when all else had given up they emerged with distinction to win the ICC Champions Trophy here at The Oval last year beating arch-rivals India in a completely one-sided game. Back in 2009, they had done the same when they clinched the prestigious World Twenty20 title under Younis Khan.

So let there be no misconception about their talent and skills on this tour. While they generally are considered as underdogs, they kept the capacity crowd here at Lord’s on tenterhooks with their highly disciplined show in the field after England decided to bat first supposedly underestimating Pakistan’s bowling strength.

Sarfraz Ahmed may have taken the loss of the toss as a blessing in disguise when watching England struggle against a well directed Pakistan attack consisting of the wily Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Abbas, Hasan Ali and Fahim Ashraf.

Early strikes by Abbas and Hasan and then later by Amir as the English innings progressed did not allow the home side to settle.

If not for the experienced Alastair Cook -- England’s highest run-maker in Tests -- the Pakistan bowlers would have made the day for England painfully embarrassing.

Dogged Cook at times played and missed but kept himself in check against the moving ball to graft a labourious 70 — showing respect to the accuracy of Pakistan bowlers.

I am so pleased to see Hasan make the team yesterday after being declared fit. The webbing between the thumb and the forefinger which had a minor split during practice had luckily healed to give Sarfraz and his men the choice to include him in the final XI.

The success of Pakistan seamers owes much to their tantalising length, accuracy and a kind of muted aggression which no doubt poses problems to batsmen. In conditions such as in England these kind of bowlers if in control of their line always reaps rich harvest.

To watch them control the English batsmen on their own patch with never faltering in keeping control of the game made this Pakistan team look so eye-catching.

A kind of teaser with the ball, Abbas possesses the ability to move the ball both ways at gentle pace.

Hasan, a shade faster, is a lot more of an intimidating figure and with experienced Amir around and Faheem as useful as the rest. That they shared tally of wickets owes much to their consistently well directed bowling.

In this game of fluctuating fortunes things do turn on their head with a fine spell of bowling or with a fighting innings.

The touring side having bowled England out for mere 184 well before the first day’s play was over will no doubt give some scare for Joe Root and his men to make sure not to take this Pakistan side lightly.

Now a lot will depend how well Sarfraz and his men stand up to the Test when facing the likes of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes to compliment the opening day’s performance of their bowlers who have done Pakistan proud.

Now what the touring team need is a solid show from their batsmen to take control of the Test which promises to be as absorbing as the one which Pakistan won against Ireland earlier this month.

Published in Dawn, May 25th, 2018