Published On:Friday, 24 October 2014
David Warner hits century, Pakistan pick up four wickets
Dubai: David Warnerremained unbeaten after his ninth test hundred but Pakistan fought back with four Australian wickets in an extended morning session on the third day of the first test in Dubai on Friday.
Australia, resuming on their overnight score of 113 for no loss, slumped to 207 for four at lunch in their first innings, replying to Pakistan`s total of 454.
Warner, unbeaten on 75 overnight, got to his third consecutive test hundred -- and fourth in the last six innings -- with a cover driven boundary off debutant paceman Imran Khan.
The stocky left-hander, who hit 11 boundaries and two huge sixes, leapt in joy to celebrate the mark.
Debutant Mitchell Marsh was yet to open his account at the other end.
Rahat Ali gave Pakistan the breakthrough when Chris Rogers (38) dragged a delivery onto his stumps, ending an opening stand of 128 and Australia lost the next two wickets in quick succession.
Rahat`s direct hit from mid-on found number three Alex Doolan (five) short of his crease while the batsman tried to steal a sharp single.
Australia captain Michael Clarke (two), returning from an injury, did not last long either, offering a bat-pad catch to Azhar Ali at short leg off left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar.
Warner and Steve Smith (22) forged a 48-run partnership for the fourth wicket before the latter fell an over before the lunch break, which was delayed due to Friday prayers.
Smith looked solid but failed to keep his cut shot down to give debutant leg-spinner Yasir Shah his first test wicket.
Reuters
