Reuters
Perth, Nov 13: David Warner (244 batting, 272b, 22×4, 2×6) 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 here Friday.
Picking up where he left off in the first Test in Brisbane, the opener scored his third century in three innings as the hosts dominated New Zealand’s bowlers as ruthlessly as they had in the 208-run victory at the Gabba.
Usman Khawaja (121, 186b, 11×4, 2×6) who claimed his maiden Test century in the first Test and got his second but even his sometimes sublime strokeplay had to play second fiddle to his fellow left-hander’s brilliance on a sweltering day here.
The 28-year-old 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 batting) 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.
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 fours to either side of the ground.
The way he is batting, a triple century is certainly on the cards, when play resumes Saturday.
