Century joy for Morgan in first Test

Eoin Morgan cracked a fine maiden Test hundred to put England in a commanding position in the first Test against Pakistan.

Morgan could have missed out on the match had Ian Bell been fit but took his chance with aplomb as he joined Paul Collingwood in a potentially game-turning fifth-wicket stand.

The pair were brought together at 118 for four, not the kind of start captain Andrew Strauss was hoping for when he won the toss and opted to bat first at Trent Bridge, and eased the total to 331 for four at stumps.

Teenage seamer Mohammad Aamer was the man responsible for the early damage, taking three wickets across a handful of lively spells.

But limited-overs star Morgan showed he has the temperament to succeed in the longer format as he followed Collingwood's lead in a period of attritional, defensive cricket before freeing his arms to bring up his century with a big straight six.

The Dubliner also hit 18 fours, with Collingwood striking 11 in his 81 not out.