Younis Khan is a formidable cricketer whose misfortune has been to play for Pakistan at a tumultuous and tragic time in that young nation’s history.

At 36, Younis boasts a proud record. He averages more than 50 in Test cricket and has triple and double centuries to his name.

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In 2009, he captained his country to victory in the world Twenty20 championships only weeks after a terror attack in Lahore resulted in the death of eight people, injuries to five Sri Lankan cricketers, and Pakistan’s banishment as a suitable venue for international cricket.

Younis Khan is sheltered from the Dubai sun during a drinks break. Photo: Getty

So it was that when he went out to bat for Pakistan in its ‘home’ Test against Australia on Wednesday, it was in front of an empty stadium in Dubai.

Pakistan was 2/7 at the time, Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle having removed the openers in quick time. Johnson’s full inswinger that smashed into the boot of Mohammad Hafeez looked particularly ominous.

But, as his record indicates, Younis is not one to be easily daunted. The man described by cricinfo as “a rearguard specialist” dug deep and produced a defiant innings of 106.

The icing on his knock came late in the day when the skipped down to Nathan Lyon and deposited him over cow corner for six to bring up his 25th Test ton, and first against Australia.

It made him the first Pakistani to score a century against all nine other Test-playing nations, and the 12th player ever to achieve that feat. 

Thanks to Younis, Pakistan finished day one at 4/219, giving it a slight edge over Australia, which, having lost the toss, will have to bat last on a dry wicket that is already turning substantially.

Younis and Azhar Ali put on 108 for the third wicket before Azhar (53) pushed Johnson to Alex Doolan at short cover shortly before tea. Azhar had earlier been dropped by Chris Rogers, a low chance at point.

Mitchell Johnson after making the early breakthrough. Photo: Getty

Johnson was the pick of the bowlers, picking up Younis lbw with the second new ball late in the day to finish with 3/22 from his 20 overs, including 13 maidens.

Spinners Nathan Lyon and debutant Steve O’Keefe bowled 39 overs between them, but did not claim a scalp.

Lyon had a series of strong lbw appeals late in the day, by which time he was gaining plenty of turn.

Overall, Australia’s bowlers did an admirable job and kept the shackles on Pakistan, which batted at a tedious pace.

Australia’s other debutant, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, bowled 11 tight overs after being presented with his baggy green cap before play by his father, former Test opener Geoff ‘Swampy’ Marsh.

He is the second of Marsh’s sons to play for Australia, following in the footsteps of his brother Shaun. Geoff Marsh also presented son Shaun with his baggy green cap for his Test debut in Sri Lanka in 2011.

O’Keefe was presented his cap by former Test batsman and one-day star Dean Jones.

The Australians wore black armbands out of respect for former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam, who died on Tuesday.

Misbal-ul-Haq will resume on Thursday on 34 and Asad Shafiq on nine.

Australia’s fortunes could once again hinge on whether Johnson can again make the breakthrough with the new ball.

Former Test batsman Geoff Marsh presents his son Mitchell with his baggy green cap before play. Photo: Getty