In spite of a three-year drought without a century in Test cricket, David Warner proved the doubters wrong with an innings to remember, reaching three figures in his 100th Test match.
Warner brought up the three figures in just 144 balls, pulling a Kagiso Rabada delivery down to fine leg for a boundary, and receiving a rapturous Melbourne applause.
The opener became the 10th player to make a century in their 100th Test match, joining Ricky Ponting as the second Australian to achieve the feat. Ponting to this point is the only player to
make dual centuries in a 100th Test appearance, ICC reported.
Warner passed the 8000 Test run mark in the innings, doing so at an average of over 46, also passing Mark Waugh as Australia’s 7th-most prolific run-scorer in the format. Just seven batters
boast more than the 25 Test centuries for Australia than the 36-year-old left-hander, who joins Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq on the mark.
Beginning the day on 32 not out, Warner looked in good touch in the early moments against the acclaimed Proteas attack, accelerating with multiple boundaries.
A mix-up cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket at the other end, though Warner continued alongside Steve Smith in Australia’s assault either side of lunch, as the hosts moved into a strong position.
Building on a strong first day with the ball, Australia have now taken a first-innings lead, and look on the way to taking both the dozen World Test Championship points and an unassailable 2-0 series lead.
