Warner smashes SCG record century

David Warner, of Australia, celebrates his century on day one of the third test match between...
David Warner, of Australia, celebrates his century on day one of the third test match between Australia and Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 3. Photo: Getty Images

David Warner has started the third test with a record-breaking ton, propelling Australia to an astonishing total of 126-0 at lunch on day one of their SCG clash with Pakistan.

Warner raced to three figures in just 78 deliveries and 118 minutes, exposing the tourists' impotent attack in ruthless fashion.

The dashing opener became just the fifth batsman in the history of the sport to celebrate a hundred in the first session of a test - and first in Australia to achieve the fabled feat.

Warner celebrated wildly in the final over before the meal break, having scampered back for a third run to complete his 18th test ton.

Not even Don Bradman ever managed to score a ton before lunch in Australia, though he did at Headingly in 1930 on his way to his legendary 334 not out.

It is the first time any batsman has achieved the feat since Majid Khan in Karachi more than 40 years ago.

Warner is no stranger to scoring a century in a session of test cricket, having famously belted a ton in just 69 balls against India at the WACA.

That 2011 innings was produced with sheer aggression, as was expected from a slugger who made his international Twenty20 debut before playing first-class cricket.

This time the vice-captain did it with panache, placement and pace instead of raw power - as has been his way in recent years.

There wasn't a single six or dropped catch in the session. Warner opted largely for classical strokes, creating singles with his athleticism and regularly hammering the ball through covers.

Warner was in his element after Steve Smith won the toss, feasting on the many loose balls delivered by Pakistan's pacemen.

The visitors were also guilty of sloppy fielding, the most cringe-worthy culprit being Misbah-ul-Haq.

Captain Misbah watched a ball sail through his legs and to the rope in the third over. It was the fourth of Warner's 17 boundaries in the session.

Youngster Matt Renshaw was made to look decidedly unremarkable in the first 100-run partnership between Australia's new-look opening combo.

Renshaw scored a single run in the same time it took Warner to score 38 of them. The Queenslander hadn't reached double figures when Warner brought up his half-century in 42 balls.

Misbah threw the ball to legspinner Yasir Shah after just 10 overs, frustrated by his quicks' lack of control, but it made little difference.

Australia were 69 for 0, already in a perfect position to push for a 3-0 series win.

Test hundreds before lunch on day 1

1902: 103 not out Victor Trumper v England, Manchester

1926: 112no Charles Macartney v England, Leeds

1930: 105no Don Bradman v England, Leeds

1976: 108no Majid Khan v New Zealand, Karachi

2017: 100no David Warner v Pakistan at SCG.

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