After the runfest in Rawalpindi, the second Test match, in Karachi, was expected to offer more to the bowlers and with spin and reverse swing all expected to come into the equation, Australia left pacer Josh Hazlewood out of their team, bringing in debutant Mitchell Swepson to partner Nathan Lyon in a dual spin attack.
Pakistan also made changes bringing back quick bowler Hasan Ali and all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who missed the first Test match through injury.
Australia won the toss and made a confident start to their innings, with David Warner and Usman Khawaja putting on 82 for the first wicket at more than four an over, until Warner was caught behind off Faheem for 36. He had struck two sixes and three fours.
Three overs later, Pakistan had more success when Marnus Labuschagne was run out by Sajid Khan without scoring.
But, as he has done so many times before, Steven Smith came to the crease to join Khawaja to help stabilise the innings.
Khawaja, who just missed out on three figures in Rawalpindi, was not to be denied this time. He brought up his 11th Test century to continue his recent international career revival.
It looked like the pair would get through to stumps unscathed, when with just seven balls still to be bowled in the day, Pakistan finally got their reward for their hard work.
Hasan delivered a short ball to Smith, who tried to hit a back-foot shot. The outside edge flew to Faheem at second slip, who took it low down with his left hand. Several television replays were needed to ensure he had not grounded the ball. In the end, Smith was given out for 72, having faced 214 balls and hit seven fours,
Night-watch Nathan Lyon saw out the rest of the day, as Australia closed on 251/3. Khawaja will resume on 127, while Lyon has yet to score.
Despite that late wicket, it had been Australia’s day in Karachi.
Australia 251/3 (Usman Khawaja 127*; Hasan Ali 1-31) vs Pakistan.