Warner celebrates after scoring his 13th Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia opener David Warner scored a sensational 163 and Usman Khawaja made an unbeaten 102 to put the Baggy Greens in a dominant position against New Zealand at the end of the first day of the first Test in Brisbane.

Warner and Khawaja were brilliantly supported by Joe Burns, who scored 71.

Australia captain Steven Smith would have been thrilled with his decision to bat first as Warner and Burns amassed a 161-run partnership, which is the fourth-highest opening stand for Australia in the first innings of a Test match against New Zealand.

Warner and Burns brought up their half-centuries during the superb stand before Burns was caught behind off the bowling of Tim Southee.

Burns’ career-best knock of 71 came off 120 balls and included 12 boundaries.

Burns hit 12 boundaries during his knock of 71

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Warner and Khawaja kept the runs flowing with a 150-run stand, during which Warner registered his 13th Test century and Khawaja his half-century, before Warner was brilliantly caught by Ross Taylor at first slip off the bowling of James Neesham.

Warner’s entertaining innings of 163 came off 224 balls and included 19 boundaries and a six.

Khawaja and Smith continued to take the attack to New Zealand as they put together an unbeaten 78-run partnership, during which Khawaja recorded his maiden Test century, before stumps was called.

Khawaja finished on 102 off 133 balls, which included 10 boundaries and two sixes, while Smith remained undefeated on 41 off 54 deliveries, which included seven boundaries.

Khawaja raises his bat after bringing up his maiden Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia ended day one on 389/2, which is the most runs scored on the opening day of a Test match at the Gabba, and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 00:00 GMT.