If we make 430 to 450, I think that's a good total Yousuf Youhana Match scorecard

Yousuf Youhana was delighted to put Pakistan in a solid position in the second Test at the MCG with his first century against Australia.

The visitors, who were blown away by 491 runs in the first Test in Perth, finished day one on 318-6 despite losing three late wickets for 15 runs.

"It's very special because against the best bowling attack I made a hundred.

"We're trying to play positive and got some success," said Youhana, whose 111 was his 12th Test century.

"In Perth, it's more difficult for us. We're used to playing in Pakistan on the low surface. Perth has the most bounce in the world.

"Here, it's good for us and a good surface for batting."

Youhana, standing in for the injured skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq, was disappointed with Pakistan's weak finish after he and Younis Khan had put on 192 for the fourth wicket.

I'd think for a majority of the day, Pakistan had outplayed us Australia coach John Buchanan

"It's a good score, but we lost six wickets. I want more runs," he added.

"If we make 430 to 450, I think that's a good total."

The pressure was doubly intense for Youhana after fans back in Pakistan had reacted angrily to the first-Test debacle and burned effigies.

"Inzamam is always the best player in the team. When he's not playing, there's a lot of responsibility on me as the acting captain," Youhana explained.

"In Pakistan, when we're not performing well, they do [things] like this - it's part of the country.

"They love cricket and love us as well."

Australia coach John Buchanan praised Youhana and Younis for their positive batting.

"This time they were prepared to play their shots, which meant runs were flowing and really built a sizable total for them," Buchanan said.

"Pakistan were in command with an hour to go, but those last three wickets have at least moved us back somewhere near them.