Pakistan’s bowlers gave David Warner a few stern stares during the first day’s play in the Rawalpindi Test, but he had a smile on his face throughout the match.
On Day 3 of the first Test against Pakistan, Australia repaid the favor by slamming the ball around in Rawalpindi. A partnership of 156 between Usman Khawaja and David Warner frustrated Pakistan’s bowlers at the top of the order. While Warner made 68, Khawaja had a magnificent 97. As Australia reached 271 for two at stumps on Day 3, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith grabbed center stage. Despite receiving a few stern looks from Pakistan’s bowlers, Warner was upbeat and ready to take on the challenge.
Pakistan Cricket Board’s official Twitter account shared a video of Warner “maintaining his cool.”
A soggy outfield from overnight rain in Rawalpindi delayed the start of play on Day 4.
On day three, Australia was 271 for two in their first innings when rain washed out play.
As the visitors fell 205 runs short of Pakistan’s declared total of 476 for four, Labuschagne was on 69 and Smith was on 24.
Since 1998, Australia has not visited Pakistan due to security concerns, but this is their first trip there in well almost a decade.
Only six wickets have fallen on the Rawalpindi surface so far in the Test, which has been a disappointment for the bowlers. The hitters are having a field day at the plate right now. First-innings hundreds from Azhar Ali and Imam-ul-Haq put Pakistan in command.
A “memorable hundred” for Usman Khawaja at his birthplace was something he regrets missing, according to Khawaja.
Khawaja, who was caught on 97, remarked, “It was a little frustrating.”
It’s worse than receiving a 20 in some ways to walk into the locker room.
Between the 12th and 16th of March, Karachi will host the second Test and the 21st to the 25th of March, Lahore, the third.
