In his farewell Test series, David Warner exhibits an unyielding spirit, epitomized by a spectacular six off Shaheen Afridi’s delivery during the Perth Test. Transcending the traditional test approach, Warner’s audacious scoop from outside the off-stump in the 22nd over soared over fine leg, underscoring his dynamic limited-overs mindset. Not confined by the norms of the longer format, Warner’s unbeaten 72 from 67 deliveries in the first session of the series opener against Pakistan propelled Australia to 117 without loss.
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Tired of the conventional, David Warner's 12th boundary of the first session was nothing short of inventive! 😯#AUSvPAK @nrmainsurance #PlayOfTheDay pic.twitter.com/8ih9vnjhUj
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 14, 2023
Pat Cummins, winning the toss and choosing to bat, witnessed Australia’s opening pair set an assertive tone, accumulating 14 runs in the first over from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Riding high on recent successes at the Cricket World Cup and the World Test Championship final, Australia’s dominance continued against a Pakistan side seeking its first test victory in Australia since 1995.
Despite moments of trouble caused by Shaheen and debutant Khurram Shahzad, Warner, poised for retirement from test cricket, unleashed his aggression in the seventh over. Back-to-back boundaries off Shaheen signaled a shift, with Warner cutting the first over point and lifting the next to the leg side. The 50-run milestone was reached in the 15th over, as Warner’s dynamic play contrasted with Khawaja’s more measured approach.
Khawaja, surviving a top-edged delivery, and Warner, overcoming a close lbw appeal, kept Australia unscathed. In the 20th over, Warner’s audacity reached new heights as he dispatched a delivery from outside off stump for a colossal six, marking his sole six in an innings characterized by 11 boundaries. Meanwhile, Khawaja’s symbolic gesture, wearing a black armband due to restrictions on his chosen humanitarian message, added a poignant touch to Australia’s dominant Day 1 performance in a series set to mark the end of Warner’s illustrious Test career.
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