A typically aggressive knock of 75 not out from David Warner has given Australia hope of saving the first Test against Pakistan.
Pakistan posted a formidable first-innings total of 454 shortly after tea on the second day of play in Dubai.
Australia attacked from the outset in their reply, reaching 0-113 from 31 overs at stumps on Thursday.
Warner struck seven boundaries and one six off 77 deliveries while Chris Rogers played a supporting hand, scoring 31 off 110 balls.
Warner had a close escape on 10 when an lbw appeal from offspinner Mohammad Hafeez was turned down and Pakistan didn’t call for a video review.
Left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar almost struck in his first over when Rogers, on 13, edged to slip where Younis Khan dropped the chance.
It’s the sixth consecutive Test innings in which Warner has reached 50 and the 27-year-old also notched his fifth century stand with fellow left-hander Rogers in 21 innings together.
Warner’s inspirational knock has come in his first Test match since becoming a father to daughter Ivy Mae in September.
“He’s ranked fifth in the world now in batting and he’s still improving,” Warner’s NSW and Test teammate Steve O’Keefe said.
“I don’t think Davey is going out there with a mindset of scoring at a run a ball.
“That’s just his way.
“To be positive, don’t let spinners settle, don’t let anyone settle and put them on the back foot.
“David Warner has always kept the game simple in his own mind, but he’s always been positive.
“Certainly not arrogant but positive.”
O’Keefe says Warner and Rogers work well together.
“Davey sees a good wicket out there and he’s going to play his shots accordingly,” O’Keefe said.
“That really does balance out what ‘Bucky’ (Rogers) does well, grinds away.”
Australia finally bowled Pakistan out two balls after tea on day two.
No.7 batsman Sarfraz Ahmed’s 109 off 105 balls ended any hopes of keeping the host team to a total around the 350-mark.
Sarfraz was out in the last over before tea after hitting 14 fours in his second hundred in successive Tests.
Zulfiqar, facing Mitchell Johnson, was struck on the middle finger of his non-bowling hand and retired hurt for seven.
Debutant O’Keefe (2-107) and spin partner Nathan Lyon (2-148) struggled to have an impact but could be more dangerous on a wearing pitch in Pakistan’s second innings.
Left-arm quick Johnson finished with the fine figures of 3-39 from 31 overs.
Sarfraz joined Younis (106) as century-makers in Pakistan’s first innings, while Asad Shafiq made 89.
Australia still trail by 341 runs despite Warner’s bright start.
“First-innings runs are going to be critical so we’re going to have to bat very well,” O’Keefe said.
“If that wicket does deteriorate, batting last on it will be tough work.”
David Warner’s past four Test matches
* First Test v South Africa at Centurion in Feb: 12 and 115
* Second Test v South Africa at Port Elizabeth in Feb: 70 and 66
* Third Test v South Africa at Cape Town in March: 135 and 145
* First Test v Pakistan at Dubai in Oct: 75 not out.
Joel
Roar Rookie
Can you just clarify your statement " a lot of all-rounders with limited history of batting prowess".. Outside of Mitchell Marsh, which all rounders are you talking about?
Casper
Guest
More likely depends whether there are any 'on the take' players in the Pakistan side any more. They have come up with some spectacular losses in the past 10-15 years when seemingly on the way to victory & that last one day game on this tour was an example of either choking or punting, lets hope the former is the case. The aussies don't appear to bat very deep with the team they've fielded, a lot of all-rounders with limited history of batting prowess. I'm always skeptical about Pakistan when on top of the opposition.Anyone who doesn't know them would think Australia, having to bat last on a deteriorating wicket against a team noted for having good spinners, would be up against it but it's not that simple.
Craig Watson
Guest
The first session today could decide the outcome of this test match. If the Aussies can get to lunch with minimum damage, then our strong middle order should pile on a mountain of runs. The only problem facing the 'baggy greens' is if the "road' starts to turn and bounce alarmingly. It is already breaking up, but so far the turn and bounce is minimal. A draw is favorite at the moment.
Anthony
Guest
It will depend if the pitch deteriorates at all days 4 and 5. If Australia gets close to Pakistan's total then it will be interesting to see how Lyon & O'Keefe bowl in Pakistan's second innings.
Ryan Buckland
Expert
Not to sink the boot in any more, but I would have thought the match is still very, very wide open. Its only day two, so there's still at least 270 overs to be bowled, and I don't think there's much chance of rain... This is very basic maths and probably completely off base, but there's still around 800 (840) runs to be had in the game assuming the pace of scoring remains steady. Australia need around 340 of those to draw level, leaving 500 runs for the second innings. If Australia are able to maintain their current run rate, they'll be able to pass Pakistan by the end of the day today - leaving 500 runs on offer in the second innings. I'd back Australia to win in that scenario over Pakistan, but if Pakistan want to shut up shop the draw would still very much be in play too.
Joel
Roar Rookie
I thought "glimmer of hope" was a bit extreme too, especially when Australia came out and scored 113 in one session. I guess it just shows how quickly some people write off the Australian team lately
DingoGray
Roar Guru
"to provide a glimmer of hope"? I don't understand the context here? This game is wide open. All 3 results are all still a genuine possibility. And with how unpredictable Pakistan cricket is, this could well be one of the test to remember!