Warner joins game's greats with century in 100th Test

In spite of a three-year drought without a century in Test cricket, David Warner proved the doubters wrong with an innings to remember, reaching three figures in his 100th Test match.

Warner brought up the three figures in just 144 balls, pulling a Kagiso Rabada delivery down to fine leg for a boundary.

David Warner is second on the list led by Virat Kohli 👏#Cricket #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/qc46SR83cD

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) December 27, 2022

Fighting cramp in the searing heat as he continued, Warner went on to bring up a double century with a boundary down to third man, though was forced to retire hurt after succumbing to the conditions, though not before a standing ovation from teammates, fans and family on hand. 

The opener became the 10th player to make a century in their 100th Test match, joining Ricky Ponting as the second Australian to achieve the feat. He then joined Joe Root as the only player to make a double century in the milestone match, taking just 254 deliveries.

Warner passed the 8000 Test run mark early on day two, doing so at an average of over 46, passing Mark Waugh as Australia's 7th-most prolific run-scorer in the format. Just seven batters boast more than the 25 Test centuries for Australia than the 36-year-old left-hander, who joins Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq on the mark.

Beginning the day on 32*, Warner looked in good touch in the early moments against the acclaimed Proteas attack, accelerating with multiple boundaries.

A mix-up cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket at the other end, though Warner continued alongside Steve Smith in Australia's assault either side of lunch, as the hosts moved into a strong position.

A partnership of 239 with Steve Smith ended when the right-hander miscued a glide behind point straight into the hands of Marco Jansen, and Warner, suffering from fatigue and injury in the heat, opted to take an aggressive approach.

Warner fell to the ground upon reaching the double hundred, and his body, put through a test of both mental and physical demands, broke down on him. He was helped off the field by a number of Australia support staff after retiring hurt, with Cameron Green striding out to replace him.

Building on a strong first day with the ball, Australia now enjoy a strong first innings lead in the second Test match of the series, and look on the way to taking both the dozen World Test Championship points and an unassailable 2-0 lead.