Australia v Pakistan: Steve Smith hits century on day one of first Test
Thursday 15 December 2016 12:35, UK
Australia captain Steven Smith profited from an unlikely piece of good fortune to record his maiden Test century against Pakistan on the opening day of the first Test in Brisbane.
Smith appeared to edge Mohammad Amir behind on 97, with the fine nick detected by DRS technology, but crucially not by any of the Pakistan players who failed to appeal.
Soon after Smith reached three figures, his 16th ton in Test cricket, to cap a good day for Australia as they reached stumps in the first day-night Test at the Gabba on 288-3.
Yorkshire-born opener Matt Renshaw earlier registered his maiden Test fifty, while Peter Handscomb - also playing his second Test - was unbeaten alongside Smith on 64.
Pakistan did not help their own cause, with wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed dropping a routine catch off Smith when he was on 53, although their day could have been worse after Amir was forced off with a knee injury.
The left-armer was able to return but there had been significant concern when he was left clutching his right knee after getting it caught in the turf when sliding to stop a ball in the outfield.
Amir had claimed the first wicket of the Test, trapping David Warner lbw, and while Usman Khawaja then departed cheaply the touring attack otherwise offered little threat with the pink ball.
Renshaw duly notched his maiden fifty in front of his home crowd, before edging Wahad Riaz behind on 71, before Smith and Handscomb added an unbeaten 137 through the evening session.
