Warner stands tall in Australia’s 4-207

David Warner is unbeaten on 133 but Australia are facing the likelihood of a big first-innings deficit after reaching 4-207 at lunch on day three of the first Test on Friday.

In reply to Pakistan’s first innings of 454, Australia had resumed in a confident manner on 0-113 but lost 4-94 in the 150-minute opening session which was extended because of prayer times in Dubai.

Warner joins Adam Gilchrist as the only Australia batsman to hit three successive Test hundreds since Don Bradman in 1948.

But the 27-year-old Warner’s ninth Test century was one of the few highlights for Australia on Friday.

Chris Rogers added seven to his overnight score before chopping a ball from left-arm quick Rahat Ali onto his stumps, ending a 128-run opening stand with Warner.

Rogers made 38 off 130 deliveries in a fine supporting role.

The pair shared their fifth century opening partnership in 21 innings together.

Alex Doolan scored five in almost an hour before he was run out by a direct hit from Rahat.

Doolan had pushed the ball to mid-on and appeared to struggle to avoid the bowler Zulfiqar Babar’s feet as he made a final lunge and was on the line when the ball dislodged the bails.

Australia’s skipper and master batsman Michael Clarke scored two, caught at bat-pad to spinner Zulfiqar at 3-158.

Steve Smith hit 22 before playing a loose cut shot to backward point where he was caught off the bowling of debutant legspinner Yasir Shah.

Debutant allrounder Mitchell Marsh has faced three close-in fielders in a nervous start, is on zero not out off five balls at lunch.

Warner has struck 11 fours and two sixes off 171 deliveries.

“It comes with age and the more times you go out in the middle the more you realise what you can do,” Warner said before play on Friday.

“It’s been a great last 12 months.

“It comes down to maturity. The past 12 months I’ve realised how hungry I am to score runs and now I’ve found a balance between on the field and off the field when I’m practising.”

Warner and ironwoman competitor Falzon became parents to daughter Ivy Mae in September.

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: 133 not out** ** innings ongoing.

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