The 37-year-old, set to bid farewell to Test cricket after the third and final game in Sydney, joined forces with Usman Khawaja (41) to forge a formidable 126-run opening partnership, capitalising on winning the toss.
In the 43rd over, Warner showcased his class with a delightful upper cut for four, reaching a brisk 125-ball century — his 26th in Tests. This achievement prompted his trademark celebratory leap and a cheeky ‘shush’ towards the media box. The opener’s stellar performance laid a solid foundation for Australia on the opening day of the series.
“It’s my job to come out here and score runs, that was from the get-go to put pressure on the Pakistani bowlers,” Warner, who had averaged only 32 in Tests since the start of 2020, told Fox Cricket.
“There’s going to be criticism but you’ve got to take that. There’s no better way to silence them (than) by putting runs on the board.”
The world Test champions made an explosive start, as the opening over from pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, yielding 14 runs, hinted at a challenging session for the visiting team.
Khawaja, adorned with a black armband due to International Cricket Council (ICC) regulations, preventing messages of solidarity with Gaza Palestinians on his shoes, became the first wicket to fall post-lunch. He was caught behind by Sarfaraz Ahmed off Afridi (1-75).
Shortly thereafter, Marnus Labuschagne (16) fell victim to medium-pacer Faheem Ashraf (1-65), dismissed lbw. This prompted Warner to adopt a more measured approach, as exemplified by a remarkable lap shot over fine leg for six.
Warner, though fortunate to survive a dropped catch and a mis-stumping by spinner Agha Salman, capitalised on opportunities in his batting zone. His innings included 16 boundaries and four sixes before mistiming a shot off debutant quick Aamer Jamal (2-63) to backward square in the 75th over.
The New South Welshman now stands as Australia’s fifth-highest run-scorer in Tests, amassing 8651 runs and surpassing the tallies of past greats Matthew Hayden (8625) and Michael Clarke (8643) during his 211-ball vigil.
Despite Australia’s dominant start, Pakistan can draw encouragement from their disciplined post-lunch bowling performance. The prospect of limiting Australia to under 400 on day two is on the horizon, with Mitchell Marsh (15 not out) and Alex Carey (14 not out) set to resume the innings.
(With Reuters inputs)
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