Australia vs Pakistan First Test live: David Warner’s commanding 164 puts Australia in the box seat on day one

David Warner couldn’t hide his glee as he sent a message to his critics, especially one ex-teammate sitting in the media box.

Welcome to the news.com.au’s live coverage of the opening day of the First Test against Pakistan in Perth.

Australia has made one change to its Test side with Nathan Lyon returning to the Aussie XI after missing the fifth Ashes Test through injury.

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David Warner silenced his critics immediately on day one with his 26th Test century, knocking 16 fours and four sixes on his way to 164. Travis Head (40) and Usman Khawaja (41) also chimed in with some brilliant strokeplay, but the day was ultimately Warner’s.

Pakistan’s pace attack came back firing after lunch after a miserable first session that included a couple of dropped chances in the field. While the quicks forced a few play and misses and took Steve Smith apart before he could get going, the momentum was always in favour of Australia up until the closing overs.

Australia went to the sheds at 5-346 with Mitchell Marsh looking in dangerous form.

Scroll down for all the updates.

8.07pm - Warner departs for 164

David Warner was threatening to push for 200 before stumps tonight as soon as he scooped Aamer Jamal for six directly behind the wicketkeeper. But his brilliant innings came to an end two balls later when he tried to go big again towards the square leg boundary.

The ball soared to Imam-ul-Haq at deep backward square and Warner was gone.

The 37-year-old faced 211 deliveries throughout the day and while he played and missed a few, his innings showcased a bit of everything that has made his career tick.

He also passed Michael Clarke and Matthew Hayden to become Australia’s fifth highest scoring batsman of all time with 8,651.

Warner passed Michael Clarke and Matthew Hayden to become Australia’s fifth highest scoring batsman of all time with 8,651.

7.53pm - Head flashes at one too many

Travis Head has sent a cut shot directly down the throat of third man late in the day, departing for 40 shortly after Australia passed 300.

Right arm seamer Aamer Jamal was the bowler.

Mitchell Marsh, who is also enjoying a hot patch of form, has joined David Warner at the crease.

The new ball is due in eight overs.

Travis Head fell for 40.

7.42pm - Warner drives in the screws

David Warner has brought up his 150 late in the day, fending off a couple of cramps on his way to the milestone.

The opener started extending his arms with Travis Head in the third session, but the aggressive pair maintained the balance between all-out attack and defence when Pakistan landed some pearlers.

The tourists showed promise after a disastrous first session, but have never looked especially dangerous on Day 1 in Perth.

Head looked promising after crunching a couple of cover drives to get into the 30s, proving that his World Cup hangover is well and truly gone.

6.45pm - Smith gone for 31

What a first wicket that is for debutant Khurram Shahzad.

Steve Smith was looking in nice touch as he worked his way to 30. But a loose shot at a good ball from the 24-year-old quick sent him packing.

Wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed lunged to his right and took a brilliant catch to give Pakistan some hope.

But they now have to deal with Travis Head coming in at No. 5. The trailblazing batsman has been in remarkable form this year and is coming off a hot century to win the World Cup final.

He immediately made his presence known, cracking Shahzad through the covers for four off his second ball.

David Warner has slowed up but continues to look strong at the crease despite playing and missing some of the better balls sent down by the touring attack.

Khurram Shahzad's first Test wicket is Steve Smith!

He draws the edge and Sarfaraz does the rest with the gloves 🙌#AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/UnmPxSVcgQ

— 7Cricket (@7Cricket) December 14, 2023

6pm - Tea

Australia have the upper hand at the end of the second session, with Steve Smith comfortably joining David Warner in the runs to place the home side at 2-210.

Pakistan’s pace attack showed more life in the second session with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Faheem Ashraf picking up a wicket each after lunch.

But it will be an uphill battle to close out the day as Smith gets into his work.

A brilliant back foot cover drive for four shortly before tea was enough to strike fear in any bowling attack. Touring sides have come to learn how debilitating Smith can be when he gets rolling — and with Warner showing no signs of stopping, it may be a rough final session for the visitors.

5.30pm - Warner silences critics with classic ton

Wonder who this is directed at?

David Warner brought up his 26th Test century in unorthodox fashion, leaving a bucket of balls outside the off stump before finding his opportunity with a short ball.

The 37-year-old entered this series with a mountain of controversy behind him. Critics say he should be out of the side, but Thursday’s knock proved he’s still among the best in his role in the country.

A trailblazing start to the innings saw him score at more than a run a ball, including a ridiculous shot for six behind his head. But when Pakistan regained some bite with the ball, Warner tightened up and poked his way from 50 to 100.

Oh What A Feeling #AUSvPAKpic.twitter.com/Csj44dnPf0

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 14, 2023

He finally brought up triple figures with an uppercut over the slips and roared to the sky in celebration. He briefly put his hand to his mouth as if shush those calling for his early retirement.

We can only wonder how Mitchell Johnson is handling Warner’s antics after spending the lead-up to the series trashing Warner’s place in the side. Cameras were already on him in the media box from the first session, but it was all smiles from the former Aussie quick.

“It’s one of those things, there’s always going to be criticisms,” Warner told Adam Gilchrist heading off the field for the tea break. “No better way to silence it than to put runs on the board.”

Wife Candice had nothing but a “shush” emoji to say to critics, posting an image of her husband celebrating shortly before tea.

🤫 pic.twitter.com/gFbrq3uQWo

— Candice Warner (@CandiceWarner31) December 14, 2023

5.02pm - Labuschagne dismissed LBW

Marnus Labuschagne has been knocked over by Faheem Ashraf for 16. The Aussie No. 3 was looking solid but was caught off guard by a straighter delivery that beat him for pace.

Marnus went upstairs for a review but ball tracking deemed it hitting middle and leg.

Pakistan has returned to the middle in the second session looking a different side, keeping Australia’s batsmen on their toes after a dominant opening session.

Steve Smith arrived at the crease and immediately bludgeoned Ashraf through midwicket for four.

Believe it or not, Marnus reviewed this one.

4.20pm - Khawaja falls, Pakistan roars

Pakistan’s pace attack looks to have hit the Weetbix in the lunch break. After a clumsy first session, Shaheen Afridi roared back to snag the edge of Usman Khawaja just as Australia threatened to completely run away with the game.

Khawaja looked good for his 41 but appeared to have been beaten for pace as he tried driving the left-armer down the ground.

Khurram Shahzad also returned to the field with some fire in his belly, putting immediate pressure on the Aussie batsmen with a tighter line than what was seen in the first session.

Marnus Labuschagne arrived at the crease and found himself in danger immediately after poorly leaving a straight delivery from Shahzad. Pakistan opted against a review, and Hawkeye showed the ball would have just gone over the bails.

David Warner’s run-fest has briefly been put on hold as he prods his way through the 70s.

3.13pm - Hundred up, Warner going berserk

Warner and Khawaja have passed 100 in another excellent opening partnership, with the only real chance coming when Khawaja was dropped when he skied a shot into the Perth sun.

Warner is putting on a clinic against Pakistan, pulling off an absurd lap/pull shot on one knee as he sent the ball over his shoulder into the stands at Perth Stadium.

Not a bad way to silence his critics...

David Warner, this is Test cricket!

2.28pm - ‘Perfect start’ for Aussie openers

David Warner and Usman Khawaja have brought up another 50-run opening stand and haven’t looked overly troubled by Pakistan’s bowlers.

There have been a few nervous edges through and over the slips cordon but the runs are flowing.

Justin Langer described it as the “perfect start” to the summer by the Aussie openers.

Commentator Alison Mitchell said: “Ominous signs for Pakistan with these two going along well.”

Greg Blewett added: “This is a flying start for the Australians.”

In the perfect response to his doubters, Warner brought up his half century off just 41 balls and has already struck nine boundaries.

David Warner and Usman Khawaja get Australia off to a flyer. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

1.39pm - Nightmare start for Pakistan

It’s often said the first ball and over sets the tone for the Test summer, and it’s not good news for the tourists.

Pakistan spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi conceded 14 runs off the first over, and the Aussie openers weren’t even playing particularly aggressively.

1.26pm - Khawaja wearing armband

Usman Khawaja may have been banned from sporting a message on his shoes, but he is wearing a black armband in support of those suffering in the Middle East.

During training this week the 36-year-old opener had handwritten slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his footwear.

The Australian camp say Khawaja is wearing the armband out of solidary and respect.

1.30pm — New Australian jersey looks different

Cricket Australia recently announced it had found a new sponsor for the front of the Australian team’s jersey, and you couldn’t miss it.

As the Aussies sung the national anthem, the large Toyota logo took up plenty of space on the shirt.

Toyota has upgraded its sponsorship deal to become the major sponsor for the men’s teams, sitting alongside other CA sponsors that include Asics, HCLTech and Commonwealth Bank.

It comes after a reported 12-month search for a new major sponsor following the end of the controversial five-year deal with Alinta Energy in June.

The Aussies have a new sponsor and you can't miss it. Photo: Fox Cricket.

1.00pm — Australia win toss, to bat

Australia has won the toss elected to bat first in sunny conditions in Perth. Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood said he would have chosen to bat as well.

There was no crazy call at the toss after Pat Cummins famously sent India into bat first in the World Cup final in a tactical masterstroke.

Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket: “I thought Australia might actually bowl first but it’s a great day to bat. It’s actually not a bad toss to lose. There’s a bit of grass on this pitch.”

No Test side has ever bowled first and won at Perth Stadium.#AUSvPAK

— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) December 14, 2023

12.52pm — Australia names ‘extremely strong’ team

The teams are in and Australia welcome back Nathan Lyon after a calf injury ruled him out of the last three Ashes Tests.

Mitch Marsh has been picked as the all-rounder at No. 6 instead of Cameron Green.

Mark Waugh said: “It’s an extremely strong side, an established side.”

Pakistan have named two debutants in Khurram Shahzad and Aamir Jamal.

Australia XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

Pakistan XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad

Nathan Lyon is back for the Aussies. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

12.45pm — Khawaja addresses shoe controversy

Usman Khawaja says he has been left disappointed to the response he has received to his “All Lives Matter” campaign.

Speaking just minutes before the toss of the coin, Khawaja said it was disheartening to see that some have branded his comments “distasteful”.

Khawaja on Wednesday night vowed to fight the ICC after cricket’s governing body banned his shoes.

The 36-year-old’s plans to highlight the plight of people in Gaza with a message on his shoes was banned despite the batsman’s insistence it was a “humanitarian appeal” and not a political message.

During training this week the 36-year-old opening had handwritten slogans “Freedom is a human right” and “All lives are equal” on his footwear.

Interviewed by Fox Cricket on Thursday afternoon, Khawaja said: “Part of it for me was a little disappointing.

“I don’t see the controversy of ‘All Lives Matter’ and saying freedom is a human right. I don’t see where it becomes political.

“I find it hard to accept people saying that what I said was distasteful.”

He also said he has been left frustrated about the ICC’s inconsistent record of banning players from having written messages on their kits.

12.30pm — Pitch drama emerges

The Perth pitch has emerged as a headache for captain’s Pat Cummins and Shah Afridi.

In the hours leading up to the toss of the coin, Fox Cricket’s Mike Hussey has pointed out the perfect-looking wicket has one wildcard factor that will put doubt in the minds of Cummins and Afridi if they win the toss and have the chance to bat or bowl first.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if both teams wouldn’t mind having a bowl first because there is a bit of moisture underneath the surface,” Hussey said.

Mike Hussey inspects the Optus Stadium pitch on Fox Cricket.

“It’ a little bit soft on top. So I’m expecting it to be a little bit slower on the first day and then it will speed up as the Test match wears on. Because it’s not going to be too hot over the next five days, I’m not expecting it to crack up to much.”

David Warner also said there appears to be a change to the drop-in pitch that was used last year.

“The boys were saying last year it was a fraction slow with all the grass that was on there,” he said.

“Generally you see some crack lines leading in and there’s none there.”

10am — Travis Head given support to replace Cummins

Former Aussie cricket coach Darren Lehmann has endorsed Travis Head as an option to captain Australia this summer if Pat Cummins is injured.

Lehmann said on Thursday it’s likely Steve Smith would captain Australia if Cummins is injured this summer — but he says he would also support the idea of Head being fast-tracked to replace Cummins.

Lehmann told RSN Breakfast he believes Head would be up for the job if it landed in his lap.

Cummins on Wednesday also endorsed World Cup hero Head as a likely successor as Test captain.

“If something happens [to Cummins] this Summer, they would probably keep Steve Smith… but I’m not against them giving it straight to Trav,” the South Australian said.

Alex Carey, Mitchell Marsh, Pat Cummins and Travis Head. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.

While he was quick to point out there were no “imminent” changes looming to his position as captain, Cummins said it was the responsibility of the current leadership group to “future proof the team” and Head’s appointment was an important part of that with Smith’s long-term future unclear.

“Really excited to have Trav on board vas a co vice-captain,” Cummins said on Wednesday.

“While nothing is imminent, Steve (Smith) is not going to play forever, I dare say I’m not going to captain forever, so we feel like we have a responsibility to future proof the team and start trying to give opportunity to other leaders.”

Australian team for First Test: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitch Marsh, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.