Second Test Day 1
Australia 2- 416 (Warner 244n.o, Khawaja 121)
As much as he thrives on the thrill of the grand occasion and the expectation that accompanies the big stage, David Warner might understandably be reluctant to make the shift when future high-profile matches are played at the new multi-purpose stadium now under construction in Perth.
After his performance at the Gabba, it seemed impossible that David Warner could bat any better. But there it took him both innings to reach 200 runs. Here he managed the same feat in one innings. In one day. Another day of utter disheartenment for New Zealand, forced to bowl in hot conditions at the WACA. Another day of complete domination by Australia, who went to stumps at 2 for 416, with the series all but wrapped up.
Australia ended a day dominated more brutally than many in recent memory at 2-416 with Warner unbeaten on 244 after a stunning 302-run second-wicket partnership with Usman Khawaja (121) and Australia’s top-ranked Test batsman Steve Smith 5no.
Steven Smith might be in doubt for the Adelaide Test with a chronic case of pad-rash. He moved himself down to No.4 for this series but might as well have shifted to No.11 for all the work that has been left for him. Eventually he did get the chance to walk to the crease late on day one at the WACA, after a tiring Khawaja prodded a catch to cover off Doug Bracewell for 121, and Smith was 5 not out at stumps.
It was just the second wicket of a long, long day for New Zealand. Burns had chopped on before lunch when Matt Henry gained a bit of extra bounce. He made 40, but on a day like this it must have felt like a duck. Perhaps only the sweat on the brows of New Zealand’s fast men flowed more freely than Australia’s runs, which came at 4.62 per over. The only maiden of the day was the first over of the morning.
