Cricket: Azhar strikes ton as Pakistan move to 232-4

Opening batsman Azhar Ali completed a rousing century and combined with Asad Shafiq to defy Australia's bowlers for an entire session as Pakistan moved to 232 for four at lunch on day two of the second Test on Tuesday.

After rain washed out much of day one, Azhar and Shafiq resumed on 142-4 on an overcast day at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and built a 107-run partnership to steer Pakistan safely to the first break.

Azhar was unbeaten on 112, having notched his 12th century, with the in-form Shafiq on 48 not out when light drizzle brought an end to the extended session about 10 minutes early.

Australia's pacemen were unable to garner much from the pitch and were dispatched all over the ground as the old ball came to the end of its life.

Having taken over 90 balls to strike his first boundary on day one, Azhar opened his shoulders and his sixth four was a glorious off-drive off paceman Jackson Bird to bring up the pair's 50-run partnership.

At 185-4, with the batsmen entrenched, Smith squandered a review after an appeal for caught behind against Shafiq was turned down, but the technology picked up no edge as Bird's delivery went through to wicketkeeper Matthew Wade.

A short break for rain left Azhar stranded on 96, and Smith introduced himself and Nic Maddinson to bowl some part-time spin in an attempt to dislodge the opener.

On 99, though, Azhar glanced two runs down the leg-side off Maddinson to bring up the milestone, giving a little hop of joy before embracing Shafiq in celebration.

Shafiq, named Man of the Match for his fighting century in the 39-run first Test loss in Brisbane, smashed spinner Nathan Lyon for consecutive fours to bring up the hundred partnership off 195 balls.

With the new ball due and drizzle falling, Smith and his team trudged off the ground for the early lunch break, likely grateful for the respite.