In the initial clash of the three-match Test series against Pakistan, Australian opener David Warner delivered a stunning performance, silencing skeptics about his Test cricket form. On the first day of the opening Test in Perth, Warner showcased his explosive style, amassing a brilliant 164 off 211 balls in what marks the beginning of his farewell series. Despite his stellar innings, David Warner found himself engaged in a verbal exchange with Pakistan pacer Shaheen Afridi.
Setting the record straight about the on-field banter, Warner explained, “It’s been a long few months for Shaheen [Afridi] as well, he’s bowled a lot in the World Cup. You’ve got to try to apply pressure to their senior bowler in the first Test match. The chit chat is just normal stuff – there’s nothing. He’s not trying to get under my skin or anything, it’s just normal banter.”
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Shifting the focus to the game’s progression, Australian spin maestro Nathan Lyon approached a significant milestone, standing merely three wickets away from joining the elite 500 club. The second day saw Pakistan resiliently holding their ground at 132-2 by stumps, trailing by 355 runs.
Imam-ul-Haq stood firm at 38 not out, with nightwatchman Khurram Shahzad at seven after losing skipper Shan Masood late in the day. Pakistan faced a daunting challenge after Aamer Jamal’s impactful debut, claiming 6-111 to dismiss the hosts for 487 in their first innings. Mitchell Marsh played a crucial role with a notable 90, complementing Warner’s formidable 164 on the opening day.
Abdullah Shafique was Lyon’s 497th Test victim, caught by Warner at leg slip after battling his way to 42. Nathan Lyon now stands on the brink of the 500-wicket milestone, a feat achieved by only seven other players in Test cricket history.
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Despite facing an aggressive bowling display from Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins on a pitch with some zip, Haq exhibited resilience. It took him 85 deliveries before registering his first boundary. However, Masood, displaying aggression, contributed 30 runs before being caught behind by Carey off Starc on review, just ten minutes before close. As the Test series unfolds, Australia’s dominance and Pakistan’s resilience promise an intriguing battle on the cricket field.
