David Warner became the first Australian and just the second batsman to score a double century in his 100th Test match, as the home side completely dominated day two of the second Test against South Africa at the MCG yesterday.
The 36-year-old veteran left-hand opening batsman hammered a trailblazing 200 before retiring as Australia reached a formidable 386 for three at stumps, to give them a first innings lead of 197 runs. England batsman Joe Root was the only player to have achieved this feat, against India in February 2021.
Fiery and furious at the crease, Warner typically saves his best for when the heat is at its highest. Coming into Boxing Day Test facing questions over on and off-field issues, he made no exception as he shook off a head knock to bring up an emotional double hundred while producing his best individual performance in almost three years.
A boundary off his 144th ball faced saw Warner erupt in a succession of fervent celebrations; a trademark leap, kisses blown to his family before finally exchanging a hug with long-time teammate Steven Smith.
On a scorching hot Melbourne day, it was his first Test ton since January 2020, ending a run of 29 innings without reaching triple figures – the longest drought of his career.
Warner became just the eighth Australian to 25 Test centuries and only the second Aussie opener after Matthew Hayden, while he also passed 8,000 Test runs along the way, another feat only seven of his countrymen had previously achieved.
It was Warner at his absolute best, with all the hallmarks of the left-hander’s inimitable style on display at one of cricket’s iconic venues.. Out twice to wide balls earlier in the summer against the West Indies, Warner repeatedly pounced on any width offered by the Proteas as he peppered the off-side fence repeatedly.
Resuming his innings unbeaten on 32 on day two, Warner showed complete disregard for the thermostat that was quickly rising towards 40 degrees Celsius as he raced between the wickets.
Not everyone could keep up. Marnus Labuschagne was run out after hesitating on an overthrow run that Warner was determined to make during yesterday’s first session.
Chief scores
South Africa: 189
Australia: 386/3 (David Warner 200 retired hurt, Steven Smith 85, Travis
Head 48 n.o). (C.D)
