Australia vs Pakistan 2016: 1st Test, day 1 - 5 talking points
Australia cruised to 288/3 after they won the toss and opted to bat first on a good surface at the Gabba on the opening day of the first Test. Pakistan could not utilise the early swing on offer as Renshaw and Warner blunted the new pink ball with ease.
The dismissal of Warner and Khawaja in quick succession, however, enabled Pakistan to get a foothold in the match but any hopes of running through the middle order were soon thrown out the window as Renshaw and Steven Smith made them chase leather.
Once an admirable innings from Renshaw was brought to an end by Wahab Riaz, Handscomb showed his class, along with his skipper. The 137-run stand between the two saw Smith complete his 16th ton and Handscomb score yet another half-century as Australia dominated day 1.
Also read: Australia vs Pakistan 1st Test Day 1 Stats: Steve Smith registers his third ton in a pink ball game
Interestingly, Smith was dropped on 53 by Sarfraz off Azhar Ali's part-time wrist spin and was also out caught behind off Amir on 97 but Pakistan did not appeal as no one spotted the edge!
Here are the talking points from an interesting day of cricket at the Gabba.
#5 Renshaw shows his class
Australia seemed to have found a strong opener when Renshaw batted against the Proteas in Adelaide. Today he furthered those claims with a terrific knock at the top of the order that helped the Aussies take an early lead in the game.
His 71 was highlighted by sound judgement outside the off-stump and strong shots down the ground. Renshaw eerily resembles former opener, Matthew Hayden, in his stance and initial movement. But the resemblance ends there. He is more defensive in nature even though he did show is attacking side today.
With David Warner in desperate need for a dependable opening partner, Australia finally seem to have found a long-term solution. He finally edged Wahab Riaz behind for a well made 71.