Burns is ecstatic after bringing up his maiden Test century
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Australia openers Joe Burns and David Warner added to New Zealand’s misery on the third day of the first Test in Brisbane as they both scored centuries.
However, New Zealand batsman Kane Williamson deserves a lot of credit for a spirited knock of 140.
Starting out the day on 157/5, Williamson was the only New Zealand batsman to have a major impact as he kept on taking the attack to Australia despite losing partners on a regular basis.
Williamson surpassed his century and was looking good for a huge score, but since he and Trent Boult were soon the last pair New Zealand had, he had no choice but to go on the offensive, which ended up costing him his wicket as he was caught behind off the bowling of Mitchell Starc.
Williamson’s brilliant innings of 140 came off 178 balls and included 24 boundaries.
Williamson celebrates after scoring his 11th Test century
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Starc was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Mitchell Johnson snapped up three and Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Marsh chipped in with one wicket apiece as New Zealand were bowled out for 317, which gave Australia a 239-run lead.
Rather than enforce the follow-on, Australia skipper Steven Smith decided to bat and would have been delighted with his decision to do so as Burns and Warner amassed a 237-run partnership, during which Burns brought up his maiden Test century and Warner his 14th.
The stand was finally ended when Warner was caught by Boult off the bowling of Mark Craig for 116 off 113 deliveries, which included eight boundaries and two sixes.
Warner scored his second century of the match
Image courtesy of: Zimbio
Burns did not last much longer as he was caught by Ross Taylor at long-on off the bowling of Craig for a career-best 129 off 123 balls, which included 13 boundaries and four sixes.
Following Burns’ dismissal, Australia lost Smith and Marsh in quick succession before Usman Khawaja and Adam Voges put together an unbeaten one-run partnership before stumps was called.
Khawaja finished on nine, while Voges remained undefeated on one.
Craig was the most successful bowler with three wickets, while Boult claimed one.
Australia ended day three on 264/4 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 00:00 GMT.