Australia v Pakistan, 3rd Test Day 1: 5 Talking Points

The first day of the final Test match between Australia and Pakistan revolved around two individuals who slammed centuries in the form of Matt Renshaw and David Warner. What was a highlight of their innings was the fact that they were the two extremes of completing Test match tons. Of course, there is certainly no denying the fact that they were both well-deserved, it was clear that the crowd at the SCG were being treated to some impressive double-extreme batting performances.

As for the Pakistan bowlers, they were once again not able to capitalize on the conditions that offered a bit of spin and swing on the first day’s play. Apart from Wahab Riaz, none of the Pakistan bowlers were able to make the impact they desired whilst being on the receiving end of some of the terrific batting from Warner and Renshaw. At the close of play, with no rain intervention as there was in the Melbourne Test match, 90 overs had been bowled and the Pakistanis had managed just the three wickets by the close of play.

1. Cartwright and O’Keefe get the nod

As advertised prior to the start of the match, Hilton Cartwright received his much-awaited debut. The 24-year old has been brought in as one of the potential spinning options for Australian skipper Steve Smith alongside Steve O’Keefe and Nathan Lyon. While it was somewhat of a pleasant surprise that the latter did indeed keep his place in the side, some have gone on to speculate that the spin trio for the final Test is a preview of what is to come in the upcoming season of cricket against the Indians on their upcoming tour of the subcontinent later this year.

While Cartwright is one who has been touted for the national side for quite some time now, the surprise has been the inclusion of southpaw Steve O’Keefe who had a terrible outing against the Sri Lankans earlier this year. The 31-year old was also involved in a brawl as well as oversaw a suspension but has found his way back to the side.

2. David Warner’s blitzkrieg

David Warner has been in tremendous form in the past year. In almost all the All-Time XI’s across different formats, the 28-year old has found himself in almost all the XI’s named by different people in recent times. However, what has been a hallmark of Warner’s potential has been the fact that he can score quick runs, something that generally puts any side for that matter on the back foot. Once again, at the SCG, David Warner began his innings with an aggressive start by smashing the ball to different parts of the Sydney Cricket Ground. He simply gave the Pakistani bowlers little or no respite as he went about completing his century in just the 78 deliveries.

He also became the beneficiary of a record that only Majid Khan held by virtue of completing a century before the lunch session of the day.

3. Matt Renshaw plays second fiddle; completes deserved ton

Matt Renshaw has been one of the few impressive batsmen who has made it through the ranks to become a part of the Australian cricket team at the moment. His calm and calculated approach to batting along with someone like David Warner ensured that he would also go on to become a beneficiary of a century, something that has been the hallmark of his batting that has ensured his selection in the side.

Renshaw remained unbeaten at the close of play and also went on to compile his maiden his Test match century, something he has experienced for the first time in his cricketing career. Moreover, the fact of the matter remained that he was able to bat with someone like Warner who was simply brilliant on the day.

Watch: Matt Renshaw takes a blow on the helmet

Oh that's a nasty one. Renshaw getting looked at out in the middle, but looks like he'll be OK to continue batting #AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/4l2g8xxolE

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) January 3, 2017

4. Wahab strikes twice

The Pakistan cricket team’s tour of Australia has been perhaps one of the biggest overseas failures as far as Mickey Arthur’s men are concerned. The bowling, in fact, has been quite poor whilst being complemented by some amazing batting from the Australians on the day. The first day of the Sydney Test match was a clear case of poor bowling from the Pakistani bowling that has not really clicked this time around. Wahab Riaz has been the leader of the pace attack and finally led by example when he picked two wickets in quick succession in the post-lunch session. He firstly removed David Warner when an attempted cut shot towards point saw its way to the secure gloves of Sarfraz Ahmed. Usman Khawaja was dismissed to a similar delivery following his short stay in the middle.

5. Renshaw and Handscomb make merry of Pakistan bowlers

While Matt Renshaw was well on his way towards a double century, it was the impressive and in-form Peter Handscomb who joined him in the middle. Together the duo ensured that the Aussies would not lose any more wickets towards the close of play. Handscomb helped himself to a quiet 40 runs as Renshaw concluded the day on an impressive 167 before bad light concluded the day’s play prematurely with 2 overs of the mandatory overs not bowled.