David Warner, 37, put any doubts about his test match skills to rest on Thursday by scoring a powerful 164 runs against Pakistan’s bowlers. Australia reached 346-5 after 84 overs at the end of the first day of the series opener in Perth. Warner, who plans to retire after the third game in Sydney, teamed up with Usman Khawaja (41) for a solid 126-run opening partnership after winning the toss. Warner reached his 26th test century in the 43rd over with a delightful upper cut for four, celebrating with his trademark leap and blowing a kiss towards the media box.

“It’s my job to come out here and score runs, that was from the get-go to put pressure on the Pakistani bowlers,” Warner, who had averaged only 32 in tests since the start of 2020, told Fox Cricket.

“There’s going to be criticism but you’ve got to take that. There’s no better way to silence them (than) by putting runs on the board.”

The world test champions had a strong start, with Shaheen Afridi’s opening over signaling a tough session for the visitors.

Khawaja, wearing a black armband due to ICC rules, fell first after lunch, caught behind by Sarfaraz Ahmed off Afridi (1-75).

Soon after, Marnus Labuschagne (16) was out lbw to medium-pacer Faheem Ashraf (1-65). Warner then adjusted his approach, toning down his attacking style, but not before showcasing an audacious lap shot for six.

Despite surviving a dropped catch and a mis-stumping, Warner capitalized on opportunities, hitting 16 boundaries and four sixes. He eventually miscued against debutant quick Aamer Jamal (2-63) in the 75th over.

Warner, now Australia’s fifth-highest run-scorer in tests with 8651, surpassed Matthew Hayden (8625) and Michael Clarke (8643) during his 211-ball innings.

Pakistan showed promise with disciplined post-lunch bowling, raising hopes of limiting Australia to under 400 on day two. The innings will resume with Mitchell Marsh (15 not out) and Alex Carey (14 not out).