In a dazzling start to his farewell Test series, David Warner dispels doubts about his form in the longer format with a stunning 164 off 211 balls on day one of the opening Test against Pakistan in Perth.
As he blazed through his remarkable innings, Warner ascended to Australia's top five run-scorers in Test cricket, overtaking Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke. His exceptional performance also propelled him past revered names like Sir Viv Richards and Virender Sehwag in the all-time list.
Warner now stands as the fifth-highest Test run-getter for Australia, trailing only behind Steve Smith, Steve Waugh, Allan Border, and Ricky Ponting.
Most Test runs for Australia
Ricky Ponting - 13,378 runs
Allan Border - 11,174 runs
Steve Waugh: 10,927 runs
Steve Smith: 9,351* runs
David Warner: 8,651* runs
With a brisk fifty off just 41 balls and a century partnership alongside Usman Khawaja, Warner justified Pat Cummins' decision to bat first on the Perth surface.
Despite his teammates faltering after promising starts, Warner powered on to secure his 26th Test hundred, marked by his signature celebratory leap. However, luck favoured Warner as he survived a couple of close calls after reaching the century mark, capitalising on Pakistan's missed opportunities to notch up 150 runs.
The visitors eventually found success by using short-ball tactics, leading to Warner's dismissal in the deep just before the day's close. Mitchell Marsh and Alex Carey steadied the innings, guiding Australia to a commanding 346 runs for the loss of five wickets by stumps.
- David Warner
