Warner’s double century in 100th Test gives Australia a big lead

David Warner, who has been on the target of critics for his poor performance of late, made a memorable double century in his 100th Test match, returning to form as Australia took a huge first innings lead in the second Test cricket match here on Tuesday. achieved. Warner scored 200 before retiring hurt, leaving Australia at 386 for three at the end of the second day’s play. His total lead has increased to 197 runs. South Africa had scored 189 runs in their first innings.

At stumps, Travis Head was on 48 and Alex Carey was on nine. The highlight of Australia’s innings was Warner’s double century. Meanwhile, he shared a 239-run partnership for the third wicket with Steve Smith (85). Warner also left the field 15 minutes after Smith’s dismissal due to leg cramps. He has become the second batsman in the world to score a double century in his 100th Test match. Before him, Joe Root of England achieved this feat. He became the 10th player in the world and the second Australian to score a century in his 100th Test match.

Ricky Ponting did this feat before him from Australia. Australia may have reached a strong position but two of its fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green were injured before South Africa’s second innings. When Green was playing for six, Enrique Norquia’s ball hit his finger and he had to leave the crease. Left-handed batsman Warner played 254 balls in his innings and hit 16 fours and two sixes before leaving the field. This is his 25th overall and first century since January 2020.

Warner, who became the 14th cricketer to play 100 Test matches for Australia, also returned to form by scoring a century. He was also able to score zero and three runs in the first match against South Africa in Brisbane. Australia started playing ahead of 45 runs for one wicket in the morning. When Warner was on 47, a bouncer from fast bowler Norkia hit his helmet and he had to seek medical help. This stopped the game for a long time. Marnus Labushen (14) was run out just two balls after the start of the game. This reduced Australia’s score to 75 for two, after which Warner and Smith handled the responsibility well. Warner also completed 8000 runs in Test cricket as soon as he completed his 81st run. He is the eighth Australian batsman to achieve this feat.