Playing his final Test series, David Warner delivered brilliant innings on the first day of the first Test match against Pakistan played at Optus Stadium, Perth on 14th December 2023.
Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and decided to bat first. David Warner looked in fine touch putting pressure on the inexperienced Pakistan bowling. He played with aggressive intent with a lovely six against Shaheen Shah Afridi. Warner kept the scoreboard ticking reaching his fifty off just 49 deliveries. It was a superb batting display by Warner not allowing the Pakistan bowlers to settle. Australia went into the lunch break in a dominating position at 117 for 0.
Soon after the lunch break, Shaheen Shah Afridi struck to dismiss Usman Khawaja with a peach of a delivery to end 126 runs opening partnership. Faheem Ashraf got rid of Marnus Labuschagne to pick the 2nd wicket. Warner looked in great touch putting pressure on Pakistan’s bowling and completed a century off 125 deliveries. After completing a century, Khurram Shahzad dropped a simple chance making life tough for the Pakistan team. Australia ended the session at 210 for 2.
Warner continued to milk the bowlers brilliantly and kept the scoreboard ticking. Khurram Shahzad picked his maiden Test wicket dismissing Smith with a beauty. After the dismissal of Smith, Warner kept the scoreboard ticking and did not allow the Pakistan bowlers to settle. Warner and Head continued to maintain the rate.
Warner showed his class against Salman Ali Agha completing his 150 off 196 balls. He played with an attacking mindset and was eventually dismissed for 164 caught by Imam UL Haq off the bowling of Jamal. It was a superb knock by the pocket dynamo scoring 164 off 211 deliveries with 16 fours and 4 boundaries.
Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey ensured that Australia remained solid as they ended the first day on 346 for 5 in 84 overs. Warner showed intent and did not allow the Pakistan bowlers to settle. He scored his 26th Test century and joined Smith, Root, Williamson and Kohli with the most centuries in Test matches.
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