David Warner dominated, dissected and demolished New Zealand with his maiden double century to drive Australia to 416 for two at the close of play on a one-sided opening day of the second Test at the WACA on Friday. It was also highest score ever on the opening day of a WACA Test.
Picking up from where he left off in the first Test in Brisbane, the opener scored 244 not out for his third century in three innings as the host dominated New Zealand’s bowlers as ruthlessly as it had in the 208-run victory at the ’Gabba.
Usman Khawaja, who claimed his maiden Test century in the first Test, got his second on Friday but even with his sometimes sublime strokeplay had to play second fiddle to his fellow left-hander’s brilliance on a sweltering day in Perth.
“The way he’s batting at the moment, he’s making it look so easy,” said Khawaja. “Test cricket isn’t easy, no matter who you play against. It’s just really nice to watch, I hope it continues for a long time, you don’t want to waste good form.”
Khawaja was caught by Tom Latham in the covers off Doug Bracewell and departed for 121 to end a 302-run partnership with Warner shortly before stumps, leaving skipper Steve Smith (five not out) to resume on day two.
Warner, once dismissed as a Twenty20 slogger, was batting on the same ground where he hit a 69-ball century on the way to his previous career-highest score of 180 against India in 2012.
Mature batting
This innings was the work of a far more experienced batsman, however, even if it started with similar aggression when Warner clattered the first two balls he faced for four to either side of the ground. Having established his dominance, however, his batting became more circumspect and he was happy to reach his fifty off a single.
This innings was the work of a far more experienced batsman, however, even if it started with similar aggression when Warner clattered the first two balls he faced for four to either side of the ground. Having established his dominance, however, his batting became more circumspect and he was happy to reach his fifty off a single.
The 29-year-old had put on 101 with Joe Burns when his new opening partner chopped a Matt Henry delivery onto his stumps to depart for 40 just before lunch.
Warner was by no means done yet, though, and he brought up his 15th Test century by hammering his 12th four over mid-wicket. The 150 came from 182 balls with another two fours and the addition of his first six but his celebrations were muted compared to that for his century, indicating that his real target still lay ahead.
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