Australia vs Pakistan, 1st test DAY 1 Highlights: Australia dominated Pakistan on the first day of the 1st Test, with Warner’s century leading the team to a strong position at 346 for 5.
Australia vs Pakistan: David Warner’s impressive innings of 164 runs steered Australia to a total of 346 for 5 at the close of play on Day 1. As they head into Day 2, Australia aims to continue their momentum, while Pakistan seeks to limit the hosts’ performance at the Optus Stadium in Perth.
THE GAME-CHANGER WARNER
Australia vs Pakistan :
That concludes an eventful Day 1 of the ‘West Test,’ where Australia positions itself strongly while Pakistan manages to pull things back, but the work ahead remains significant. Day 2 is scheduled to commence on December 15, Friday, at 7:50 am IST (2:20 am GMT).
Australia’s skipper, Pat Cummins, reflects on a nearly perfect day. Undecided at the toss, he expresses contentment with how things unfolded. Cummins praises David Warner as a legendary player, commending his aggressive play that applies pressure on Pakistan. He acknowledges Warner’s brilliant inning, emphasizing that an additional 100-150 runs would be great.
In the second session, Pakistan started well, troubling the batters with their pacers. Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf claimed early wickets, but partnerships allowed Australia to strengthen their position. Warner silenced critics with his 26th Test century, while Steven Smith and Travis Head made notable contributions. Khurram Shahzad struggled with no-balls, but managed to claim Smith as his first Test wicket, while Aamer Jamal removed Head. Warner’s resilience, surviving a drop and a stumping chance, resulted in a score of 164 runs before falling to short ball tactics. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey held strong till the end, aiming to add more runs to the already substantial total.
Australia’s decision to bat first, supported by aggressive play from the openers, proved correct. Despite early scares and a dropped catch, David Warner and Usman Khawaja added over 100 runs before Lunch. The Pakistani pacers struggled with their line and lengths, with Shaheen Afridi conceding runs. The visitors found rhythm towards the end of the first session, and Agha Salman’s off-breaks checked the runs without rewards.
Day 1 concludes as a fantastic one for the Aussies, highlighted by David Warner’s big century. Warner surpassed Hayden and Clarke, breaking into the top 5 leading run-scorers for Australia in Test cricket. The exceptional knock led Australia to end the day at 346 runs with half the side yet to bat. Pakistan managed to pull things back after a dominant first session and will aim to make early inroads on Day 2 to wrap up the hosts’ innings swiftly.