(Cricket News) The opening match of the series against Pakistan saw Australia’s star opener David Warner silence his doubters with a brilliant century. Many have speculated that this series against Shan Masood’s men will be Warner’s final five-day match, and he began the possible swansong in style with an aggressive century against Pakistan’s misfiring bowling attack on Day 1.
In response, the left-hander displayed his trademark aggressive style, smashing 15 fours and a massive six in his 149-ball innings. Prior to the game, Mitchell Johnson, Australia’s legendary former pacer, expressed doubts about whether the Aussie opener deserved a hero’s farewell, citing his recent poor red-ball form and his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
While Warner’s strike rate slowed after lunch, he continued his pursuit of a 26th Test century, eventually reaching the milestone in 125 balls with an upper-cut boundary off debutant Aamer Jamal. Warner faced challenges on a pitch offering bounce, but he played a counter-attacking knock and reached his half-century in just 41 balls, securing it with a boundary off Faheem Ashraf.
Warner greeted the centennial with his signature leap and enjoyed the cheers of the audience. He saved one particular gesture for the occasion, placing his fingers on his lips and gazing skyward.
After the second session, Warner spoke with former Australia opener Adam Gilchrist, stating that the conversation was merely a reaction to the constant criticism he had received regarding his selection in the side leading up to the Test. “You have got to take criticism. There is no better way to silence them than putting runs on the board,” Warner told Gilchrist.
After an outstanding few months in which he lifted the ODI World Cup title in November as Australia defeated India in the final, Warner continues to be full of confidence despite the criticism. This was his 48th international century, further solidifying his position as the second-highest centurion for Australia across all formats, behind Ricky Ponting (71).
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