Australian opener David Warner impressively responded to his critics by notching up his 26th Test century during the opening match against Pakistan. Speculated to potentially bid adieu to the five-day format, Warner commenced the series strongly, showcasing an aggressive batting display against Pakistan's bowling attack on Day 1.
Before the match, Mitchell Johnson, the former legendary Australian pacer and Warner's teammate, raised questions regarding Warner's eligibility for a grand farewell. Johnson pointed to Warner's recent struggles in red-ball cricket and his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. However, in his 110th Test appearance, Warner demonstrated his trademark aggressive style, scoring 164 runs from 211 balls, including 16 fours and four sixes, as Australia ended the day at 346-5 (84 overs).
Despite encountering challenges on a bouncy pitch, Warner played an attacking innings, reaching his fifty in just 41 balls and later achieving his century in 125 balls with an upper-cut boundary off debutant Aamer Jamal. Although Jamal managed to dismiss Warner in the 75th over, the opener celebrated the century with his trademark leap and a special gesture, placing his fingers on his lips while looking skyward.
During a conversation with former Australian opener Adam Gilchrist at the end of the second session, Warner explained that his celebration was a response to the relentless criticism he faced about his place in the team before the Test. "You have got to take criticism. There's no better way to silence them than putting runs on the board," Warner shared with Gilchrist.
Warner, along with Khawaja, set up a solid opening partnership of 126 runs, but subsequent wickets fell, including Khawaja, Labuschagne, and Smith. Travis Head contributed with a brisk 40 off 53 balls, while Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey will resume batting on the second day.
Australia's goal would be to make a substantial total, aiming to win the first test, and establish their dominance early on into the test series, and give Warner a memorable farewell, solidifying their position as the World Test Champions.