David Warner has lit up the Sydney Cricket Ground on the first morning, blasting a 78-ball century against Paksitan
Warner creates history with first-session ton
David Warner has started 2017 with a bang after he smashed an incredible century before lunch on the first day of the final Test against Pakistan at the SCG.
Warner is the first batsman to achieve the feat since Pakistan's Majid Khan plundered New Zealand in Karachi in October 1976 and is the first ever to score a ton before lunch on any day of a Test match in Australia.
"It feels amazing (to reach the hundred before lunch), I wasn't aware about the stats (the select group of players to achieve the feat on day one of a Test) - team doctor Peter Brukner told me after I came off." Warner said.
"I only began to think about it (getting the hundred) when I was on about 80 and there were 25 minutes to go before lunch.
"Basically I thought I'd just keep working hard to get us into a great position.
"But with the adrenaline pumping you ride the wave and getting to the hundred was the result."
Warner wasted no time in putting his stamp on 2017, sending his second, fourth and fifth ball to the boundary to automatically put Australia on the front foot and Pakistan firmly on the back.
The vice-captain dominated the opening partnership, contributing 44 from 28 balls as the first-wicket raced to 51 in the ninth over.
Renshaw at the same stage was a patient six from 21 deliveries.
When the 100-run stand was brought up from the last ball of the 21st over, Renshaw had moved to 19 while Warner stood quietly at the non-striker's end on 80.
Warner crashed a brilliant 82-ball hundred last summer against the West Indies, but today he beat that mark by four balls to set a new record for the fastest ton at the SCG.
Recalled paceman Imran Khan was the hardest hit by the Warner hurricane, conceding 38 runs from the 23 balls he bowled to the explosive left-hander.
As Warner moved closer to three figures Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq spread the field, employing a deep point for his quicks and sweepers on the on-side when leg-spinner Yasir Shah rolled the arm over.
With 20 minutes left before lunch, Warner was on 86 and the 25,000-strong crowd were willing every single into a double, every shot to hit a gap in the field and every bowling change to bring more runs.
A powerful drive beat the deep point fielder to the fence to move from 89 to 93 before a single from the next ball left the dynamo within one shot of a Test century.
As time ticked closer to 12.30pm local time, each Renshaw block or leave brought a groan from the eager the fans, unless it came from the final ball of an over – that brought resounding applause.
A squirt to the leg-side moved Warner to 97 before a glide to third man and a fumble produced the final three runs he needed.
The crowd erupted, Bill Lawry erupted and Warner streaked with arms horizontal, soaking up the applause as he went into his trademark leap and 'Reverend' celebrations.
At lunch, Warner walked off with 100 runs from 78 balls and 17 fours next to his name.
Warner is the fifth player to score a century before lunch on the first day of a Test, joining Australians Victor Trumper (1902), Charlie Macartney (1926), Don Bradman (1930) and the elegant Khan.
In the process of reaching Test match century No.18, Warner passed Justin Langer to become the fifth-most prolific opening batsman for Australia, reaching Langer's mark of 5,112 runs in 2,323 fewer deliveries.
Australia's two batting titans, Warner and captain Steve Smith, were equal on 17 Test tons heading into the new year, but now the nation's deputy is one ahead of its leader.
"There is that sort of healthy competitive nature there," Smith said on Monday when asked about his friendly rivalry with Warner.
"I know after he got his 100 in Melbourne, I said 'Oh I'm going to have to get one now'.
Image Id: 90666DB0D0BF491A8B8AF6D53C37D46C Image Caption: Warner leaps to celebrate his record-breaking ton // Getty"It's obviously not that easy, but fortunately I was able to equal him and try and keep it going for this Test match.
"I'm sure he'll be keen to go out there and go one better.
"I'm going to have to do the same."