Perth Stadium, December 14, 2023: Pakistan dominated Day 1 of the first Test against Australia in Perth, taking two early wickets and restricting the hosts to 106/4 at stumps. David Warner, playing in his farewell series, top-scored with an unbeaten 92, but the rest of the Australian batting line-up struggled against the Pakistan bowling attack.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to field first, a decision that paid off immediately. Mitchell Starc was trapped lbw by Shaheen Shah Afridi in the first over, and Usman Khawaja soon followed, caught behind off the bowling of Hasan Ali.
David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the ship for Australia with a 44-run partnership, but the partnership was broken when Labuschagne was caught at slip by Mohammad Rizwan off the bowling of Yasir Shah.
Steve Smith came to the crease and looked in good touch, but he too fell victim to Yasir Shah, caught at long-on for 21.
At stumps, Australia were 106/4, with Warner still battling it out on 92. Mitchell Marsh was the other unbeaten batsman on 7.
Pakistan’s bowlers were excellent throughout the day, with Yasir Shah taking 2 wickets for 48 runs and Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali claiming one wicket each.
Key moments from Day 1:
- David Warner neared a century, reaching 92 off 134 balls.
- Usman Khawaja scored 81 before being dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi.
- Marnus Labuschagne is unbeaten on 84, having faced 124 balls.
- Mitchell Starc took four wickets for Australia.
Day 2 will be crucial for Australia, as they will need to bat for a long time to build a substantial lead.
Day 2 is likely to be another day of batting dominance for Australia. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne will be looking to build on their centuries, and Australia will be looking to take a significant first-innings lead.
Pakistan will need to take early wickets if they are to have any chance of getting back into the game. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah will be their key bowlers.
