Butt shines with 153 in tour opener in Australia

HOBART: Salman Butt ensured Pakistan was in good shape after the first day of its three-day tour match against Tasmania at Bellerive Oval on Saturday.

The crafty left-hander smacked 23 boundaries on his way to 153 as he led the tourists to 4 for 270 at stumps on day one.

Umar Akmal (10 not out) and Fawad Alam were the unbeaten pair at the close of play, the latter yet to get off the mark.

On a cool and cloudy day in Hobart, it was the pacemen that had all the luck with the ball.

Tim Macdonald was the best of the Tigers' bowlers with 2 for 40, while in-form quick Brett Geeves was the man good enough to dismiss Butt when he had the opener caught behind.