LONDON: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq became the oldest player in 82 years to score a test century as the 42-year-old hit an unbeaten 110 to put his side in a strong position on the first day of the opening match against England.

Pakistan, who also had Asad Shafiq (73) to thank for digging them out of a spot of early bother, closed on 282 for six after choosing to bat and making England toil in the field for much of the day.

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Yet two late wickets from Chris Woakes, who ended Thursday's play with figures of 4-45, lifted the hosts' spirits.

Misbah celebrated his landmark by dropping to the Lord's turf and doing press-ups.

"We had an army camp before the tour and every time we had to get down and do 10 press-ups. Those in my celebration can't count because my arm was bent," he said after becoming the oldest player at 42 years and 47 days to reach three figures since England's Patsy Hendren achieved the feat at 45 in 1934.

That brought Misbah together with the 39-year-old Younus Khan in a veteran partnership that lasted until the latter flicked a Stuart Broad delivery straight to Moeen Ali at mid-wicket for 33.

Misbah enjoyed a fine partnership of 148 with Asad Shafiq until the stand was eventually ended by Woakes three overs before the close as Shafiq edged an attempted leave behind to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Woakes then claimed the wicket of nightwatchman Rahat Ali for a duck when he played on with the final ball of the day.