LAHORE, July 1 Pakistan hockey team opened its tour of England on a confident note, beating the hosts 2-1, in the first Test of the three-match series at the Cannock Hockey Club, London, on Tuesday.

According to information made available here, the green shirts dazzled the first half with greater anticipation and performance, netting both of their goals with the English side also managing their lone goal during the same time.

Akhtar Ali broke the ice with a delightful field goal in the 19th minute but the opponents made it 1-1 through Ashley Jones in the very next minute.

In a hotly-contested first session with both sides giving their best, Mohammad Irfan put the touring side in the lead with a 33rd minute penalty-corner goal.

The second half saw Pakistan content with their earlier lead and England wasting ideal sitters with poor finishing and lack of coordination in the striking circle.

Pakistan endeavoured to lift the level of their game in the last 10 minutes but a couple of English defenders and their custodian defied some good moves.

The second Test will be played on Thursday at 5.00pm (1200am Pakistan Standard Time).—APP