David Warner Smashes Rare Pre-lunch Century Against Pakistan

David Warner has put on quite the show against Pakistan on the opening morning at the SCG, producing an innings that places him in truly elite company and that will stick in the memory of all who saw it.

Never before had a century been scored by an individual in the opening session of a Test match in Australia. With a handful of balls to spare, Warner changed that in the first session of the third Test at the SCG.

Before Tuesday, the feat had only been accomplished four times in Test cricket — by Victor Trumper in Manchester in 1902, Charles Macartney in Leeds in 1926, Sir Donald Bradman in Leeds in 1930 and Majid Khan in Karachi 1976.

Backing up from his century in Melbourne in the second Test, Warner was composed and assertive from the first over of the day, dominating without ever having to stretch himself.

Warner hit 14 fours, but not a single six, in the two-hour onslaught that may well have taken Pakistan out of the game in the blink of an eye.

He was ably supported by opening partner Matt Renshaw, who played his role to perfection to finish the session 25 not out. While the contrast between the two is stark, it seems Australia has struck a winning combination at the top of the order.

The slaughter ended in the sixth over after the break on day one, with Warner nicking off to Wahab Riaz.

(ABC)