Cricket: Peter Handscomb equals Australian cricket record

Peter Handscomb of Australia bats during the third test match between Australia and Pakistan. Photo / Getty Images

Newcomer Peter Handscomb has continued his impressive start to his Test career with another century in the third Test against Pakistan.

Handscomb on Wednesday became the first Australian batsman in almost 100 years to score a half-century in each his first four Tests.

But the No.5 then made it two centuries in his past three Tests - and the third of Australia's first innings - when he clipped Azhar Ali for a single on the onside.

Handscomb's SCG knock consisted of nine boundaries off 195 balls in 302 minutes.

The 25-year-old has now amassed more than 250 runs in five innings after making his debut in November, and has yet to be dismissed for less than 54.

He became just the second Australian after Herbie Collins in 1920 to register a 50-plus score in each of his first four Tests.

Former captain Michael Clarke liked the Victorian's ability to play off the back foot, as well as his footwork since his insertion into the national team earlier in the summer.

"He's been phenomenal this series, that's for sure. To be able to play the pace bowlers like he does holds him in good stead for going to somewhere like India," Clarke said during commentary for the Nine Network.

HANDSCOMB'S BRIGHT START
v South Africa in Adelaide - 54, 1*
v Pakistan in Brisbane - 105, 35*
v Pakistan in Melbourne - 54
v Pakistan in Sydney - 55*

-AAP