Smith century puts Australia ahead on first day

Brisbane, Dec 15: Steven Smith scored a century to place Australia in a strong position at the end of the opening day of the first cricket Test against Pakistan here on Thursday.

Smith was batting on 110 at stumps with Peter Handscomb also in good form at the other end. The hosts were on 288/3 at the close.

Smith's 192-ball innings included 16 boundaries. Handscomb's 64 runs came off 150 deliveries with eight hits to the fence.

For Pakistan, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz and Yasir Shah bagged a wicket each.

Electing to bat on winning the toss, Australia were off to a good start with Matt Renshaw and David Warner producing an opening stand of 70 runs. Warner scored 32 runs before being trapped leg before by Amir.

Usman Khawaja lasted just seven balls before stepping out to Yasir only to find Misbah-ul Haq at short midwicket.

The two quick wickets may have given the Pakistanis a glimmer of hope which was quickly diminished by a 76-run partnership between Smith and Renshaw.

Riaz brought the partnership to an end when Renshaw nicked one to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed when on 71.

Handscomb then joined Smith in the middle and the duo proceeded to add 137 runs between them to help the hosts end the opening day on a strong note.

Brief scores: Australia: 288/3 (Steven Smith 110 batting, Peter Handscomb 64 batting, Matt Renshaw 71) vs Pakistan. IANS