In what looked like a day that would just be overshadowed by controversies that erupted in the lead-up to the match, it was a proper test between bat and the ball, as cricket took center stage in first Australia vs Pakistan Test in Perth on Thursday. After opting to bat first on a bouncy wicket, which was only to assist the batsmen, the hosts piled up 346/5.
The day belonged to ‘hero’ David Warner who scored his 26th Test ton, and silenced former teammate Mitchell Johnson for his, ‘doesn’t deserve a hero send-off’ remark. He was eventually out for 164 from 211 deliveries, but not before hitting 16 fours and four towering sixes.
His opening partner Usman Khawaja, who was surrounded by controversy too, put it behind him, to score valuable 41 runs. In fact, the duo had an opening stand of 126, making a statement in front of their detractors.
Other Aussie Batsmen Struggle
Despite the solid start, none of the batsmen other than Warner, to some extent Khawaja, could replicate their feat. Marnus Labuschagne fell for 16, soon followed by Steve Smith and Travis Head for 31 & 40, respectively. Head, the newly appointed co vice-captain looked good for a long haul but was caught by Agha Salman, on the bowling of Aamer Jamal, who bagged his maiden wicket.
But the moment of the day belonged to Warner when he scooped Shaheen Afridi for a six over fine leg. That shot, and the moment, pretty much summed up the day for the latter.
Pakistan Try to Claw Back with Quick Wickets
The Pakistani team weathered the Warner storm, somewhat, by picking up wickets at the other end. Debutants Aamer Jamal and Khurram Shahzad looked like the pick of the bowlers, bagging three wickets between them. Although Agha Salman did well to contain the runs, Afridi went on to leak plenty. On the day, he returned with figures of 1/71.
Brief Scores: AUS 346/5 (David Warner 164, Usman Khawaja 41; Aamer Jamal 2/63, Khurram Shahzad 1/62) vs Pakistan
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