David Warner shunned his critics in grand style by registering his 26th Test ton in the first Test against Pakistan at the Optus Stadium. Surrounded by questions raised around the worthiness of his position in the team, Warner let his bat do the talking in typically aggressive fashion, leaving Pakistan gasping before the visitors eventually managed to find their feet.
Warner waded through a couple of testing periods even if it meant slowing down, yet got to the milestone close to the Tea break with a cut boundary off the 125th ball he faced. His vibrant masterclass ensured that even an ameliorated bowling effort could not bring Pakistan back in the contest after conceding early advantage. Warner was supported by a free-flowing Steve Smith at the other end, as he cashed in on some wayward bowling from Pakistan, who are the risk of being outbatted from the game after conceding 346/5 on the opening day in Perth.