Warner leaps in delight after scoring his maiden double hundred

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia opener David Warner scored an unbeaten 244, which was his third consecutive score of 100 or more, and batsman Usman Khawaja made 121 as the Baggy Greens dominated New Zealand on the opening day of the second Test in Perth.

Australia captain Steven Smith would have been delighted with his decision to bat first as Warner and Joe Burns amassed a 101-run partnership, during which Warner brought up his half-century, before Burns was clean bowled by Matt Henry for 40.

Warner and Khawaja kept the runs flowing with a 302-run stand, which is the second-highest partnership for any wicket at the WACA. During the incredible partnership, Warner registered his 15th Test century before proceeding to convert it into his maiden double hundred. Khawaja meanwhile recorded his second Test century after scoring his first in the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

New Zealand pace bowler Doug Bracewell finally broke the partnership right towards the end of the day as Khawaja was caught by Tom Latham at short cover for 121 off 186 balls, which included 11 boundaries and two sixes.

Khawaja celebrates after bringing up his second Test century

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

With just under four overs left in the day, Warner and Smith put together an unbeaten 13-run partnership.

Warner finished on 244 off 272 balls, which included 22 boundaries and two sixes. During his knock, Warner became the fourth-fastest Australian batsman to surpass 4,000 Test runs after Don Bradman, Matthew Hayden and Neil Harvey.

Smith meanwhile ended the day on five off 12 deliveries, which included one boundary.

Henry and Bracewell claimed one wicket each.

Australia ended day one on 416/2, which is the highest first day score at the WACA, and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:30 local time or 02:30 GMT.