On the opening day of the first Test involving Australia as well as Pakistan in Perth on Thursday, December 14, star opener David Warner started his final Test series with a century. Warner surpassed the great Sir Gary Sobers in the all-time chart of Test centurions. This was his first century of 2023 and his 26th overall.
David Warner was facing a lot of pressure because of his declining Test performance in recent times. George Bailey and team management supported the great opener’s inclusion in the starting lineup for their home summer’s opening Test. Pakistan’s tour of Australia got off to a terrible start as the hosts easily dominated the visitors throughout the session. The hosts managed to notch up 117/0 in 25 overs against them at lunch on Day 1 in Perth.
Australia start Pakistan demolition in Perth
Australia made the right choice of winning the toss and batting first. David Warner as well as Usman Khawaja took advantage of some careless bowling, particularly from star bowler Shaheen Afridi. In an attempt to win a series for the first time ever on Australian territory, Pakistan created a single chance. That chance was also spilled by Abdullah Shaifque as Khawaja got a reprieve.
Warner, who was playing in his last Test series, was especially harsh on whatever loose ends and ended the first session undefeated on 72 off 67. In the meantime, Warner loved playing Pakistan as he notched up a hundred against them during his eleventh test against Pakistan. He also managed to hit a thrilling 163(124) against them at the ODI World Cup 2023.
The absence of an experienced spinner in the starting XI may cause Pakistan’s pacers to work extremely hard for wickets. This may also have an impact on the outcome of the remaining matches of the series. With Shan Masood making his debut as skipper, he will have his work cut out for him for the remainder of the Test match.
Fans react as David Warner completes 26th Test hundred against Pakistan during first Test:
26TH TEST CENTURY BY DAVID WARNER…!!!
The great man from Australia has started his farewell Test series with a marvelous hundred against Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/pEz1wW43qV
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 14, 2023
Carer ended with a bang pic.twitter.com/TVaqiyB7JK
— HAFEEZ KHAN (@HAFEEZK51158740) December 14, 2023
Then the Bull, now the Reverend. David Warner makes his famous celebration, that jump and reaching a 100 in his final series. What a start to celebrate the ending games of an incredible career. Loved playing for the galleria. A modern day legend. One of the best test openers in…
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) December 14, 2023
What a great player ?
— Raghav ? (@_there4you) December 14, 2023
David Warner, a force of nature in Test cricket, roaring like a lion and leaving his mark with sheer strength and determination. ???
— Ammad Alvi (@ammadalvi__) December 14, 2023
David Warner and Pakistan never ending love story.
— Sankott (@Iamsankot) December 14, 2023
If Anyone thinking Test cricket is going boring Now So, Brother Watch David Warner Batting In Test Cricket, definitely you enjoying the batting like T20s.
— ANANT ?? (@Akk_vk18) December 14, 2023
200 loading for Warner
— Being Indian ?? (@SunilSa02606284) December 14, 2023
Iconic jump celebration. Hope to see more of these in color jersey
— Vignesh (@visumurugan) December 14, 2023